North Korea conducted its first ballistic missile tests in five months on October 25, 2023, just days before US President Donald Trump is set to embark on a diplomatic tour of Asia. The South Korean military reported that multiple short-range ballistic missiles were launched from an area south of Pyongyang, traveling approximately 350 kilometers (220 miles) toward the northeast. Fortunately, these missiles did not land in the sea, as confirmed by South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The military statement emphasized that South Korea remains vigilant and prepared to counter any provocations from the North, citing its strong military alliance with the United States. In response to the missile tests, Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister, stated that Tokyo is in close communication with Washington and Seoul, sharing real-time missile warning data.
North Korea has not yet commented on the missile launches. President Trump is scheduled to leave for Asia at the end of the week on his first trip to the region during his second term. His itinerary includes a stop in Malaysia for a regional summit, followed by visits to Japan and South Korea for an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting aimed at fostering economic integration and trade.
Gyeongju, a historic city in South Korea, is expected to host Trump for bilateral meetings with leaders, including Xi Jinping of China and Lee Jae Myung, the President of South Korea. However, South Korean officials have indicated that Trump will likely not attend the main APEC conference scheduled for October 30 to November 1.
Experts have suggested that North Korea may conduct further missile tests in the lead-up to or during the APEC summit. Such actions could serve to highlight its desire for recognition as a nuclear weapons state. This status would be crucial for North Korea, as it seeks to persuade the United Nations to lift the economic sanctions currently imposed due to its weapons program.
The recent missile tests mark the first of their kind since North Korea’s earlier tests on May 8, 2023, which included short-range systems simulating nuclear counterstrikes against US and South Korean forces. These launches are also significant as they occur under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, following his commitment to restoring peace on the Korean Peninsula after taking office in June.
Since the collapse of high-stakes nuclear negotiations with Trump in 2019, North Korea has intensified its weapons testing. In a surprising development, Kim suggested last month that he would be open to negotiations if the US were to abandon its demands for North Korea’s denuclearization. This shift comes as Trump has expressed hopes for renewed diplomacy.
Earlier this month, Kim displayed a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during a military parade attended by officials from China, Russia, and other nations. The parade showcased the Hwasong-20, which North Korea claims is its “most powerful nuclear strategic weapon system.” Observers have noted that this new ICBM is designed to carry multiple nuclear warheads, potentially rendering US missile defenses less effective. There are indications that North Korea may test-launch this ICBM in the upcoming months.
The ongoing developments in North Korea highlight the delicate balance of power in the region and the potential implications for international diplomacy as Trump prepares for his Asia trip.
