North Korea Fires Several Ballistic Missiles as APEC Summit Nears

North Korea fired several short-range ballistic missiles less than a week before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ summit is set to be held in South Korea.

According to a statement from South Korea’s military, the missiles were launched from areas near Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, toward the northeast.

Meanwhile, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary described North Korea’s missile launches as a serious threat to the peace and security of his country, the region, and the international community. He added that Japan will maintain close cooperation with the United States in analyzing and responding to these launches.

Minoru Kihara said: “North Korea has consistently demonstrated its intention to enhance its nuclear and missile capabilities. The repeated ballistic missile launches and related activities pose a serious threat to the peace and security of Japan, the region, and the international community.”

The APEC summit is scheduled to take place in Gyeongju, South Korea, from October 27 to November 1 this year. During the summit, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is expected to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump.

It is also anticipated that President Trump will hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit.

Experts have warned that North Korea’s missile launches could affect regional negotiations and signal rising tensions in East Asia.