North Korea Launches Ballistic Missiles Ahead of South Korea-China Summit

On January 3, 2026, North Korea conducted its first ballistic missile test of the year, firing several projectiles from Pyongyang towards the sea off its eastern coast at approximately 7:50 a.m. local time. The South Korean military reported that the missiles flew about 900 kilometers before landing outside Japan's exclusive economic zone. This launch marks the first missile test since November 2025 and coincides with South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung's state visit to China, where discussions on peace in the Korean Peninsula are expected to take place.

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The missile launch occurred shortly after a U.S. military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Analysts suggest that this operation may have influenced North Korea's decision to demonstrate its military capabilities. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been actively promoting the expansion of the country's tactical guided weapons production, calling for a more than 250% increase in capacity during a recent factory visit.

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In response to the missile launches, South Korea's National Security Council convened an emergency meeting, urging North Korea to cease its provocations, which violate United Nations Security Council resolutions. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi condemned the launches as a threat to regional and international peace. The United States Indo-Pacific Command stated that the launches posed no immediate threat to U.S. personnel or allies, emphasizing ongoing consultations with regional partners.

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Critics of North Korea's actions, including South Korean and Japanese officials, have expressed concerns that these missile tests escalate tensions in the region. Professor Lim Eul-chul from the Institute for Far Eastern Studies noted that the launches serve as a message to China, signaling North Korea's military readiness and its distinct status compared to Venezuela. Additionally, experts have pointed out that North Korea's aggressive military posture may be an attempt to deter closer ties between South Korea and China.

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As President Lee Jae-Myung prepares for his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the agenda will likely focus on promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula and encouraging China to facilitate dialogue with North Korea. The upcoming Ninth Party Congress of the Workers' Party in North Korea is also anticipated to address significant policy goals, including military and economic strategies.

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• “Our military has strengthened surveillance and vigilance in preparation for further launches,” — South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff

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• “This event does not pose an immediate threat to US personnel or territory, or to our allies,” — U.S. Indo-Pacific Command

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• “we are different from Venezuela” — Professor Lim Eul-chul, Institute for Far Eastern Studies

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• “Our government lodged a strong protest with North Korea and strongly condemned it,” — Shinjiro Koizumi, Japanese Defense Minister

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This missile launch underscores the ongoing tensions in the region and the complex dynamics surrounding North Korea's military ambitions and international relations.

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