SEOUL/TOKYO — North Korea launched two suspected short-range ballistic missiles from Wonsan within approximately three hours. The first travelled about 450 kilometres and the second more than 600 kilometres before landing outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
South Korea called the tests violations of U.N. Security Council resolutions, while Japan lodged a diplomatic protest. Pyongyang said it would strengthen its nuclear deterrent in response to U.S.-led military exercises.
Why it matters: Repeated missile testing increases pressure on South Korea, Japan and the United States while reducing prospects for restarting nuclear negotiations.
