North Korea launched sea-to-land cruise missiles from its west coast on Tuesday, 28, North Korean state media reported, a day before United States President Donald Trump began a visit to South Korea.
The missiles were launched vertically and flew for more than two hours, the KCNA news agency reported on Wednesday, 29, local time.
The agency reported that Pak Jong Chon, vice chairman of North Korea’s Central Military Commission, oversaw the test, not , who Trump expressed interest in meeting during his visit to South Korea this week.
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The last meeting between Kim and took place in 2019 in the demilitarized zone that divides the two Koreas. Although there has been no official announcement, South Korean authorities have restricted tourist visits to the area.
Kim said last month that he has “good memories” of Trump and is open to negotiations if the United States backs off its demand that North Korea give up its nuclear arsenal.
South Korean Foreign Minister Chung urged both leaders to “not let the opportunity slip away.”
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Trump’s trip marks the American president’s first tour of Asia since returning to the White House in January, and comes amid a new wave of trade tensions and diplomatic discussions involving China and North Korea.
On a visit to Japan this Tuesday, 28th, Trump praised the new Japanese Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, the first woman to hold the position in the country. Trump highlighted Japan’s role as an “ally at the highest level” and stated that Washington is willing to “help in any way possible”.
During the meeting, at the Akasaka Palace, the two leaders signed agreements aimed at strengthening the bilateral alliance. One of them foresees the creation of a US$550 billion fund for Japanese investments in the United States and the maintenance of 15% tariffs on products imported from Japan. Another document establishes a cooperation structure to guarantee the supply of critical minerals and rare earths, essential inputs for advanced technologies.
Takaichi, who took office a few days ago, highlighted the importance of the relationship with Washington and cited former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, his political mentor, who maintained close ties with Trump during the Republican’s first term. The Japanese leader also announced the donation of 250 cherry trees to the USA, in honor of the country’s 250th anniversary.
Trump, who often criticizes the low consumption of American vehicles in Japan, was welcomed with a display of Ford F-150 pickup trucks. The prime minister, according to the White House, is considering purchasing part of the fleet.
After commitments in Japan, Trump is expected to head to South Korea, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the APEC summit.
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*With international agencies.
