Wonsan Launch: North Korea Tests 10 Short-Range Missiles

Ten short-range ballistic missiles flew from the eastern coast of North Korea on Thursday. South Korea's military command reported that the projectiles were launched from Wonsan. Each missile traveled a distance of approximately 250 kilometers, or 155 miles.

The launches occurred toward the country's eastern waters. Japan's Defense Ministry also detected a suspected ballistic missile launch. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that their forces maintained readiness to repel provocations. They cited a solid alliance with the United States as the basis for this posture.

This action followed recent threats from Pyongyang. North Korea announced plans to resume front-line propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts. It also stated it would deploy new weapons systems along the shared border. These moves were framed as a protest against repeated warning shots fired by South Korean troops in border areas.

Seoul has proposed talks to clarify the border line. The goal is to prevent accidental clashes. North Korea has not responded to that proposal. Tensions have deepened since last month, when land mine blasts at the border injured three South Korean soldiers. Seoul accused the North of planting mines south of the military demarcation line. Pyongyang denied responsibility and warned of retaliation if provoked.

Associated Press journalists observed new North Korean artillery guns on the other side of the border earlier this week. These guns were not visible in previous visits to the South Korean border town. In recent years, North Korea has added mines, barbed-wire fences, and other defense structures. This aligns with Kim Jong Un's policy of severing ties with the South.

Kim recently visited China on a weekend trip to the border city of Dandong. He crossed a newly inaugurated bridge to pay respects at a memorial for the 1950-53 Korean War. It was his sixth visit to China since succeeding his father as leader in late 2011. He met with Chinese Communist Party official Wang Huning. Kim said the two nations would carry forward their friendship and reaffirmed the resolve to develop bilateral cooperation.

Experts suggest the latest missile tests aim to pressure the United States. President Donald Trump has expressed a desire to restore diplomacy with Kim. This comes after North Korea shifted focus from Russia to China. The country had previously sent troops and ammunition to support Russia's war against Ukraine.