IRIA News

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North Korea launched a ballistic missile on January 6, 2025, flying approximately 1,100 kilometers before landing in waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan.

The missile test coincided with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to South Korea for high-level talks addressing North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and other security issues.

It was not immediately clear what type of missile was fired but North Korea’s ICBM tests last year featured a new solid-fuel design and carried what Pyongyang said was a hypersonic glide vehicle, a warhead designed to be able to maneuver and evade missile defenses.

The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that the missile was fired near the North Korean capital of Pyongyang. U.S. and South Korean forces had detected launch preparations in advance. The military is now enhancing its surveillance and defense systems, anticipating further provocations.

Japan’s Defense Ministry confirmed the missile landed outside its exclusive economic zone, with no damage reported to ships or aircraft. However, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed alarm at North Korea’s growing missile capabilities, particularly following last year’s tests of advanced nuclear-capable systems. “North Korea’s accelerated pace in missile tests is aimed at improving its threat level,” Ishiba said.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned the launch, calling it a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, and expressed concern about North Korea’s deepening ties with Russia.

Blinken in South Korea

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the increasing two-way military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, particularly in the context of Moscow’s war in Ukraine. According to assessments from the U.S., Ukraine, and South Korea, North Korea has provided more than 10,000 troops and conventional weapons to Russia.

“This is a dangerous two-way street,” Blinken said. “Russia supplies military equipment and training to North Korea and intends to share space and satellite technology.”

South Korea’s political stability has been shaken following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial martial law decree last month, which was swiftly overturned by parliament. Yoon’s impeachment has left South Korea’s government in flux, complicating its ability to respond to escalating regional tensions.

In a joint press conference with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, Blinken addressed concerns about the alliance between the U.S. and South Korea, emphasizing the resilience of South Korea’s democratic institutions.

In my meeting with Republic of Korea Acting President Choi Sang-mok, I reiterated U.S. confidence in the enduring strength of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. Our alliance is the linchpin of peace and security in the Indo Pacific and our support for the ROK and its people is enduring. pic.twitter.com/3zhu4AEtDy

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) January 6, 2025

“We had serious concerns about some of the actions that President Yoon took, and we communicated those directly to the government,” Blinken said adding that “At the same time, we have tremendous confidence in the resilience of South Korea’s democracy and its ability to resolve these challenges peacefully.”

Kim’s warning

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ramped up anti-U.S. rhetoric, criticizing the Biden administration’s efforts to strengthen security ties with South Korea and Japan. During a year-end political conference, Kim pledged to implement the “toughest” policies against the United States but did not directly mention Trump, who met Kim three times during his first term as president.

Kim’s position has strengthened, buoyed by an expanded nuclear arsenal, closer ties with Russia, and weakened enforcement of international sanctions. Experts warn these developments could hinder any quick resumption of U.S.-North Korea diplomacy if Trump returns to the White House.

Trump’s potential return raises questions about the future of U.S. alliances in Asia. During his first term, Trump frequently criticized the cost of maintaining U.S. troops in South Korea and pushed for increased defense contributions from Seoul. South Korean officials fear Trump’s “America First” policies could strain economic and security partnerships.

Despite these uncertainties, South Korea’s leaders remain committed to strengthening their alliance with the U.S. while addressing the escalating threat from North Korea. Blinken reassured Seoul of Washington’s continued support, emphasizing the importance of unity in the face of mounting regional challenges.

Global implications

The latest missile launch underscores the growing complexity of North Korea’s role in global geopolitics. Its partnership with Russia not only bolsters Moscow’s war efforts but also enhances Pyongyang’s access to advanced weapons technology. Combined with domestic political instability in South Korea, the situation poses a multifaceted challenge to regional security.

As tensions rise and leadership transitions loom in the U.S., the coming months will be critical in determining the trajectory of diplomacy and security on the Korean Peninsula.