North Korea fires ballistic missile into East Sea

North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the East Sea, according to South Korea and Japan, as regional diplomacy and security concerns remain in focus.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missile was fired toward the sea and is believed to have already fallen. Japan’s defence authorities separately confirmed the projectile had landed, with no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

The launch comes as regional diplomacy remains in focus. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung began a state visit to China on Sunday, with analysts suggesting Seoul may ask Beijing to help facilitate renewed dialogue with North Korea amid rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

In Pyongyang, Kim Jong Un has intensified his focus on weapons development. State media reported on Sunday that he called for more than double the production capacity of tactical guided weapons during a recent visit to a munitions factory.

Over recent weeks, Kim has carried out a series of inspections of defence-related facilities, including weapons factories and a nuclear-powered submarine, while overseeing multiple missile tests. These activities are taking place ahead of this year’s Ninth Party Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea, where major policy priorities are expected to be outlined.

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