SEOUL: U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in South Korea on Wednesday for the final stop of his Asia tour, just hours after North Korea test-fired multiple sea-to-surface cruise missiles into the Yellow Sea, escalating regional tensions.
According to North Korean state media KCNA, the missiles flew for more than two hours before accurately hitting their targets. Senior military commander Pak Jong Chon supervised the launch, hailing it as a major step in strengthening Pyongyang’s nuclear deterrent. He said the exercise tested “the reliability of various strategic offensive systems” and reaffirmed North Korea’s commitment to maintaining a strong nuclear posture.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed detecting and tracking the launch, which occurred around 3 p.m. Tuesday local time. Both the South Korean and U.S. militaries stated they are closely analysing the tests and remain in a state of high readiness against further provocations.
The launches came just days after North Korea tested short-range ballistic missiles featuring new hypersonic technology, part of its ongoing effort to expand its nuclear arsenal.
Trump, who arrived from Tokyo, is expected to meet South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Gyeongju during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings. Discussions will focus on trade, regional security, and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
While speculation had circulated about a possible encounter between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Seoul has dismissed the likelihood of such a meeting.
Despite Kim’s past remarks expressing “fond memories” of Trump, North Korea has made clear that talks can only resume if Washington drops its demand for nuclear disarmament. Since the breakdown of negotiations in 2019, Pyongyang has refused further dialogue with both the U.S. and South Korea, instead focusing on advancing its weapons capabilities.
Read more: https://nayakashmir.com/trump-reiterates-claim-of-preventing-pak-india-war-through-trade-threats/
