4 January 2026| Dubai, UAE [Posted at 1:18 pm]
North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles into the sea early Sunday. This action has escalated tension on the Korean Peninsula before the South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for a high-profile visit to China. Moreover, the missile test has attracted sharp reaction from South Korea, Japan, and the United States. Additionally, it comes amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty after recent global developments.
Missile launches detected near Pyongyang
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said it detected several ballistic missile launches from North Korea’s capital region, Pyongyang, at around 7:50 a.m. local time. According to the military, the missiles also flew around 900 km before landing in the sea.
The JCS confirmed in an official statement that South Korea is fully prepared to respond to any provocation and is closely sharing intelligence with the United States and Japan. Surveillance and vigilance have been strengthened in anticipation of further launches.
Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has confirmed that at least 2 missiles were launched while calling the test a serious problem. Furthermore, he said that they threaten the peace and security of our nation, the region, and the world.
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Timed ahead of Lee–Xi summit in China
The launch comes just hours before President Lee began a four-day state visit to China, where he is scheduled to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. According to the office of Lee, discussions are expected to focus on peace and stability on the Korean peninsula. Moreover, Seoul is requesting Beijing to play a constructive role in managing the nuclear ambitions of North Korea.
According to the Financial Express, South Korea and the United States have long called on China to use its influence to bring Pyongyang back to dialogue or encourage denuclearisation. This is because China is the closest ally and largest trading partner of North Korea. However, doubts remain over how much usage Beijing holds, especially as China and Russia have repeatedly blocked tougher UN sanctions against North Korea in recent years.
Emergency security meeting in Seoul
After the missile launches, South Korea conducted an emergency National Security Council (NSC) meeting on Sunday. Here, officials strongly requested that North Korea halt ballistic missiles, which violate UN Security Council resolutions. According to presidential office, the council briefed President Lee on the situation and on South Korea’s response measures.
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Part of a broader weapons display
The launch was a part of a weapon demonstration by North Korea in recent weeks. experts told New Indian Express Pyongyang is believed to be showcasing and reviewing its military capabilities ahead of an upcoming Workers’ Party congress, the first in five years, expected to be held in January or February.
Since diplomatic talks with the US collapsed in 2019, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has intensified testing activities to expand the country’s nuclear and missile arsenal. Hence, the country has test-fired what it described as a long-range strategic cruise missile. Released images suggest progress on its first nuclear-powered submarine, and conducted multiple factory inspections.
North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) also reported on Saturday that Kim has visited a weapon factory and ordered officials to expand the production capacity of precision-guided weapons by around 2.5 times.
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Global context adds to tensions
The missile tests come after a dramatic operation in Venezuela that removed President Nicolás Maduro from power and brought him to the United States to face charges. Analysts believe this might further support the belief of Pyongyang in the need for a strong nuclear deterrent.
Leif-Eric Easley, professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, said, “Kim Jong Un might feel free about his efforts to create a nuclear deterrent.” However, he added that such events could also increase paranoia among leaders of hostile regimes.
Surprisingly, North Korea has not commented on the US strike, and its state media remained silent on Sunday’s missile launch.
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