In a dramatic move that has heightened tensions in East Asia, North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae‑myung departed for a state visit to China. The launches, detected early on January 4, 2026, accompany growing regional unease over Pyongyang’s weapons tests and diplomatic positioning as Seoul seeks China’s help in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Missile Launches Detected Before Major Diplomatic Trip
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that several ballistic missiles were fired from near Pyongyang at about 7:50 a.m. local time (22:50 GMT) Sunday, several hours before Lee’s departure for Beijing. The missiles flew approximately 900 kilometres (560 miles) before landing in the sea, according to military statements. Seoul said it and the United States are analysing details of the launches and maintaining readiness to respond to any further provocations. The New Indian Express
Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi confirmed that at least two missile launches occurred, warning that Pyongyang’s ongoing missile development posed a serious threat to regional security. “They are a serious problem, threatening the peace and security of our nation, the region and the world,” he said.
Timing and Possible Strategic Messaging
The launches coincided almost exactly with Lee’s state visit to China, where discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to focus heavily on North Korea’s nuclear program and prospects for renewed diplomacy. Pyongyang’s timing — immediately ahead of a major diplomatic engagement — has led analysts to interpret the launches as a deliberate signal aimed at both Seoul and Beijing, underscoring its continued prioritisation of military capabilities amid political negotiations.
In recent weeks, North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un has been visible in state media inspecting weapons factories and emphasising tactical weapons capacity, potentially ahead of the upcoming Ninth Party Congress of the Workers’ Party — a major political event when key policy goals could be set.
South Korea’s Response and Security Alert
Following the launches, South Korea convened an emergency meeting of its National Security Council to assess the situation and coordinate further action. Officials reiterated that the launches violate United Nations Security Council resolutions banning ballistic missile tests and stressed their intention to urge Pyongyang to cease such activities.
Seoul made clear it would press China to play a constructive role in encouraging peace and denuclearisation efforts — leveraging Beijing’s position as Pyongyang’s main ally and largest trading partner. Diplomatic officials have long urged China to use its influence to bring North Korea back to stalled talks or persuade it to dismantle nuclear and missile programs.
Global Diplomatic Context
The missile launches come amid broader geopolitical tensions in East Asia. Lee’s visit to China marks his first state visit since assuming office in June 2025 and aims to enhance economic cooperation, promote peace on the peninsula and encourage Chinese engagement with North Korea. The trip also occurs against the backdrop of rising tensions involving Taiwan and security challenges across the region.
North Korea’s actions follow months of increased weapons tests, including ballistic and cruise missile firings, reflecting Pyongyang’s continued focus on expanding its military arsenal. Observers note that such activity often spikes before major political events, suggesting strategic timing and signalling are factors in Pyongyang’s calculations.
Regional Reactions and Concerns
Japan, South Korea and the United States have jointly condemned the missile launches as destabilising and dangerous. Japanese officials reiterated that the tests threaten regional peace and demand strong diplomatic and security responses. The U.S. Indo‑Pacific Command emphasised that the missiles did not pose an immediate threat to U.S. forces or territories but stressed continued monitoring and cooperation with allies.
China has so far provided measured responses, focusing on diplomatic channels while balancing its longstanding ties with North Korea and its interest in regional stability. Beijing’s influence over Pyongyang — and its willingness to use that influence — remains a key subject of debate among diplomatic and security analysts.
What It Means for the Korean Peninsula
Experts suggest that Pyongyang’s missile launches — particularly when timed with significant diplomatic activities by Seoul — are intended to assert its strategic autonomy and bargaining strength. North Korea has long justified its nuclear and missile programs as necessary deterrence against perceived external threats, especially from the United States and its allies.
The launches also spotlight the persistent challenges to denuclearisation talks, which have been stalled for years. There is cautious hope that diplomatic engagements, such as Lee’s meetings in Beijing, may revive dialogue — but missile tests risk undermining trust and fueling regional arms tensions.
Looking Ahead
As President Lee continues his visit to China, attention will remain on whether Beijing agrees to a more assertive role in engaging Pyongyang and how North Korea’s military signalling affects future negotiations. The situation underscores the complex interplay between military demonstrations, regional diplomacy and great‑power interests in East Asia — where actions like missile launches can dramatically influence geopolitical dynamics in an already volatile region.
