North Korea launched four missiles on Monday, three of them landing in Japan’s exclusive economic zone — waters extending 200 nautical miles (370 kilometres) from its coast — drawing strong protests from Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Here are five questions on the North’s missile and
North Korea launched four missiles on Monday, three of them landing in Japan’s exclusive economic zone — waters extending 200 nautical miles (370 kilometres) from its coast — drawing strong protests from Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Here are five questions on the North’s missile and nuclear weapons programme, which it insists are for defensive purposes.
— Why launch a salvo of missiles now?
Analysts say the latest missile launch is likely an act of protest against annual joint military drills by Seoul and Washington, and a renewed challenge to the US news administration.
The two allies kicked off the Foal Eagle exercises last week that always infuriate Pyongyang — last year it fired seven ballistic missiles during them.
The North may also be trying to send a message to US President Donald Trump — who has described Pyongyang as a « big, big problem » — ahead of a planned trip to the region by his Secretary of State Rex Tillerson at the end of the month.
— What went up and is this progress?
Unlike most recent launches, Monday’s took off from a location close to the Sohae long-range rocket facility in Tongchang county, but analysts say they are unlikely to be tests of a new device.
The missiles travelled 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) and reached an altitude of 260 kilometres before landing in the Sea of Japan/East Sea.
The South’s Joint Chiefs of Staff did not identify the missile type but said they were unlikely to be intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) capable of reaching the US mainland — a key goal of the North’s missile programme.
