North Korea fires ballistic missile into Yellow Sea
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- North Korea launched several projectiles, including a short‑range ballistic missile, into the Yellow Sea from Chongju at about 13:00 local time on 26 May, traveling roughly 80 km.
- South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the launch was the first in 37 days and the eighth ballistic missile test this year, prompting heightened surveillance and vigilance.
- South Korea announced that it, the United States and Japan are maintaining a state of full readiness and sharing intelligence closely after the missile launch.
- The Hindu reported the missile launch, echoing Seoul’s account of a short‑range ballistic missile and other projectiles, as did AP News and Straits Times Asia.
- Xi Jinping is expected to visit North Korea this week, according to South Korean Yonhap, though neither Beijing nor Pyongyang have confirmed the trip.
Why it matters: South Korea, the United States and Japan are strengthening surveillance and missile defense, raising defense budgets and operational tempo, and prompting heightened alertness across the region.
