N Korea tests missiles ahead of Trump’s S Korea summit

PYONGYANG/SEOUL: North Korea has conducted a test launch of two air defense missiles, according to a report by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Sunday (today). The timing of the test is significant, because US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Monday (tomorrow), in Washington.

The test was overseen by leader Kim Jong Un. However, the location and specifications of the missiles were not disclosed. KCNA said that the launch demonstrated the combat capabilities of what it described as improved missile systems, claiming they are designed to target various aerial threats.

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The missile test also occurred during a period of heightened military activity on the Korean peninsula. On Saturday, South Korea’s military said it fired warning shots after approximately 30 North Korean troops briefly crossed the military demarcation line within the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The area is heavily fortified and separates North and South Korea.

North Korean media cited Army Lieutenant General Ko Jong Chol, who characterised the crossing as a “premeditated and deliberate provocation,” warning that such actions could escalate tensions in the border region.

The developments come as the United States and South Korea carry out joint military exercises, which began earlier in the week. North Korea has repeatedly criticized the drills.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who assumed office in June, has called for renewed engagement with Pyongyang and proposed confidence-building measures. However, North Korea has publicly rejected the offer to improve relations.

President Lee is scheduled to meet Trump in Washington on Monday for their first official summit.

JAPAN, S KOREA AGREE ON CLOSER COOPERATION

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met in Tokyo on Saturday and agreed to enhance bilateral security and economic cooperation, ahead of Lee’s scheduled summit with US President Donald Trump.

The meeting marked Lee’s first official visit to Japan since taking office in June. Held at the prime minister’s residence, the talks focused on strengthening coordination between the two countries and the United States under an existing trilateral agreement.

“In light of the increasingly severe strategic environment surrounding both our countries, the importance of our bilateral relations and trilateral cooperation with the United States continues to grow,” Ishiba said in a joint statement following the meeting.

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The two leaders agreed to restart shuttle diplomacy and expand exchanges, including working holiday programs. They also committed to deeper cooperation in defense, economic security, artificial intelligence, and other sectors. The statement also included a pledge to increase coordination in response to North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs.

On trade, Japan and South Korea reached a joint position to impose 15 per cent tariffs on US imports of their goods. The move follows US threats of higher duties under the Trump administration’s recent trade proposals.