North Korea Tests Hypersonic Missile Amid US Talks

North Korea test-fired a hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile on Monday, coinciding with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Seoul. Kim Jong Un claimed the missile, capable of traveling 1,500 kilometers, is intended to deter regional rivals such as the U.S., Japan, and South Korea. This launch marks North Korea's first missile test since Donald Trump's re-election, signaling Pyongyang's intent to continue its military advancements despite international tensions. The missile's timing, amid South Korea's political instability and strained relations with the U.S., underscores Kim's stance against the 'nuclear military bloc' of the U.S., Japan, and South Korea. The missile landed in the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, with no reported damage. The test further highlights North Korea's ongoing military cooperation with Russia, raising concerns over shared advanced technological capabilities.