North Korea launches multiple ballistic missiles amid Trump-Kim diplomacy

North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles on Thursday afternoon, traveling approximately 320km and reaching altitudes of up to 90km. The missiles were launched from the Pyongyang area toward the sea east of the Korean Peninsula, landing outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The launches follow Donald Trump's recent decision to significantly reduce the scale of the ‘Ulchi Freedom Shield’ joint military exercises between the US and South Korea. Trump stated he maintains a “good relationship” with Kim Jong Un and expressed a desire to meet with him later this year.

In response to the missile activity, South Korea held an emergency National Security Council meeting and demanded an end to ballistic missile testing. Japan's Defense Minister issued a strong protest through diplomatic channels in Beijing, noting that the actions threaten regional peace.

Kim Yo Jong, a high-ranking North Korean official, responded to Trump's diplomatic overtures by stating they were “not worth comment.” While she maintained that the personal relationship between Kim Jong Un and Trump remains “very good,” she criticized the reduction of military exercises as failing to change the “provocative and aggressive nature” of US-South Korean activities.