North Korea announced on Wednesday that it had successfully launched sea-to-surface cruise missiles into its western waters, showcasing its advancing military capabilities. The tests, conducted on Tuesday, were reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) as a significant achievement, with the missiles accurately hitting their targets after flying for over two hours. The agency emphasized that these weapons would enhance the operational range of North Korea’s nuclear-armed forces. The timing of the announcement coincided with U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, where he was scheduled to meet with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. Senior military official Pak Jong Chon oversaw the tests and inspected training exercises aboard North Korea’s newly developed destroyers, Choe Hyon and Kang Kon, which leader Kim Jong Un has identified as critical assets in strengthening the navy. This latest display of military prowess follows North Korea’s recent short-range ballistic missile tests, which included a hypersonic system aimed at bolstering its nuclear deterrent. While Trump has expressed interest in meeting with Kim during his visit, South Korean officials have downplayed the likelihood of such an encounter. North Korea has remained steadfast in its refusal to engage in talks with Washington and Seoul since the collapse of Kim’s nuclear diplomacy with Trump in 2019. Kim has since shifted his foreign policy focus toward Russia, supporting President Vladimir Putin’s efforts in Ukraine and positioning North Korea as part of a united front against the U.S.-led West. Last month, Kim reiterated his stance that he would not return to negotiations unless the United States abandons its demand for North Korea’s denuclearization.
North Korea says it test-fired cruise missiles ahead of Trump’s visit to South Korea
