North Korea Tests Cruise Missiles Ahead of Trump’s Visit to South Korea

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Just before U.S. President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to South Korea, North Korea conducted a test of sea-to-surface cruise missiles. The launch took place as Trump is on his Asia tour to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. The U.S. President is set to visit South Korea on October 29–30. The missile test was carried out a day before his arrival, along the western coast of the Korean Peninsula.

According to North Korea’s state media agency KCNA, the missiles were vertically launched from the Yellow Sea. They reportedly flew for about 7,800 seconds (nearly two hours) before hitting their designated targets. The report stated that the test aimed to strengthen North Korea’s maritime strike capabilities.

Senior military official Pak Jong Chon supervised the test, stating that the country has made “significant progress” in developing its nuclear deterrent capabilities. Notably, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was absent from the event. While he usually oversees major missile launches, his absence has been noted during several recent tests as well.

Speculation Over Trump–Kim Meeting

Meanwhile, President Trump hinted at a possible meeting with Kim Jong Un. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Tokyo, Trump said he is “willing to meet” if the North Korean leader agrees. He also suggested that some sanctions on Pyongyang could be relaxed. The two leaders last met in 2019 at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). However, North Korea has not yet issued any official statement regarding a potential meeting this time.