North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw recent tests of two brand-new types of anti-aircraft missiles. This display of military strength happened while forces from South Korea and the United States were conducting joint military exercises.
State media from North Korea reported on Sunday that the missile tests occurred on Saturday. They claimed these new weapons are good at stopping air threats like drones and cruise missiles. Mr. Kim reportedly gave important, yet secret, instructions to his defense scientists. This happened before a big political meeting expected early next year.
The report from the official Korean Central News Agency, or KCNA, did not share many details. It did not say exactly what kind of missiles were tested. The report also kept quiet about where the tests took place. Interestingly, Mr. Kim’s reported comments did not directly criticize the United States or South Korea this time.
This missile activity comes at a busy time for diplomacy. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung was in Tokyo for a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Both leaders promised to work closer with each other and with the United States. Their goal is to handle shared problems, including North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. Mr. Lee was scheduled to fly to Washington on Sunday to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump.
North Korea has repeatedly turned down offers for talks from South Korea and the U.S. These talks aimed to slow down its nuclear and missile programs, which have been stuck for a while. Instead, Mr. Kim has been strengthening ties with Russia. This is part of a plan to build friendships with countries that are at odds with the United States.
Since Russia went to war in Ukraine, Mr. Kim has sent thousands of troops to help. He also sent a lot of weapons, including artillery and guided missiles, to support President Vladimir Putin’s war efforts. This close relationship has raised alarms. Many worry that Russia might give North Korea technology that could make its nuclear-armed military even stronger. Experts think North Korea’s older anti-aircraft systems and radar could be areas where Russia might offer help.
In fact, the previous South Korean government said last November that Russia had already provided missiles and other gear. This equipment was supposedly meant to boost North Korea’s air defenses. However, they did not say which specific systems were provided.
Source: CNA