Pyongyang times missile launch with NATO summit

SEOUL: North Korea has launched a suspected intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) off its east coast, marking a potential new round of confrontation with Washington and its allies, multiple reports say.

The missile, believed to be a developmental, road-mobile Hwasong-18 ICBM, flew a distance of 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) and at an altitude of over 6,000 kilometers (3,700 miles) between the Pyongyang and the Sea of Japan, according to Japan’s Defense Ministry.

The missile launch comes after Pyongyang threatened to shoot down US military reconnaissance aircraft engaging in what it called “hostile espionage” activities near its territory. It also appears timed to coincide with the NATO summit in Lithuania, where leaders from South Korea, Japan, and the US are meeting to discuss security issues – including the threat posed by North Korea.

In response to the missile launch, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol held an emergency National Security Council meeting in Lithuania calling for “strong international solidarity” in response to the action.

Despite the international calls for dialogue and de-escalation, Pyongyang shows no signs that it is willing to engage in negotiations with Washington or Seoul.