The South Korean military said North Korea launched the missile on Monday, at the same time US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was visiting Seoul.
The missile flew about 1,100 kilometers (685 mi) before landing in the waters between the peninsula and Japan.
South Korea condemned the launch, saying it was another provocation that threatened peace and stability between the two countries. Blinken commented that the administration of outgoing US President Joe Biden “has made numerous efforts to contain North Korea” but that their only response was “more provocative action”.
Blinken also took aim at Moscow amid reports that Russia is preparing to share advanced satellite technology with Pyongyang. “The North is already receiving Russian military equipment and training. Now we have reason to believe that Moscow intends to share advanced space and satellite technology with Pyongyang,” he told reporters.
Kim promises ‘toughest’ anti-US stance
The trip to Seoul to discuss defense against aggression from the North was part of Blinken’s last scheduled visit as the US’s top diplomat before President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20.
Seoul has accused Pyongyang of taking advantage of the political chaos in the wake of the impeachment of former President Yun Suk Yeol by increasing missile tests in recent weeks.
The turmoil will also make it difficult for South Korea to start its relationship with the second Trump administration on a stable footing.
Although North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met Trump face-to-face in 2018, a historic first, he recently pledged to adopt his regime’s “toughest” anti-US policy approach as the latter He returned to the office.
es/kb (AP, Reuters)
