US-South Korea in preparation for military exercises … On the other hand, North Korea showed ballistic missile fire

North Korea tested a short-range ballistic missile on its eastern coast on Sunday. Pyongyang took this step as a US aircraft carrier arrived in Seoul for joint military exercises with South Korea. The US and South Korea are conducting these joint military exercises in view of the growing threat from North Korea’s nuclear program in the Asian peninsula.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missile, fired from the western city of Taekwon, took off in the open skies before lap of the sea off North Korea’s east coast. However, the South Korean military has not yet shared any further details about the test, including the type, features and firepower of the missile.

North Korea intensifies missile testing activities
North Korea has stepped up its missile testing activities this year. In 2022, it has so far tested more than 30 ballistic missiles, including the first test of an intercontinental ballistic missile since 2017. The missile launch comes at a time when the US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and its fighter jet have arrived in South Korea for a joint military exercise.

‘No damage reported from the test’
Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said in a statement that there were no immediate reports of damage from the test, but that Tokyo was gathering information about North Korea’s missile launch. At the same time, it is trying its best to ensure the safety of ships and aircraft.

This issue will be raised in bilateral meetings
US Vice President Kamala Harris is visiting Seoul next week. The issue of the growing threat from North Korea’s nuclear program could also be the main agenda of these bilateral meetings. Harris will leave for South Korea after attending the state funeral of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo.