North Korea Launches Multiple Short-Range Ballistic Missiles East Sea Ahead APEC Summit

North Korea conducted multiple short-range ballistic missile launches toward the East Sea, marking its first missile tests since South Korean President Lee Jae-myung took office and the first in nearly five months. These launches were detected by South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff and occurred shortly before key regional events, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea and a planned visit by U.S. President Donald Trump. The missile tests underscore ongoing tensions due to North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, which its leader Kim Jong Un continues to expand despite international sanctions and denuclearization talks that have stalled. South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. are closely monitoring the situation, maintaining military readiness, and sharing intelligence in response to potential further provocations. While North Korea demonstrates advanced military capabilities, including recent developments in long-range missile technology, Kim has also indicated a conditional openness to resumed diplomatic engagement if the U.S. alters its stance on denuclearization. The missile tests appear to serve both as a show of military strength and a strategic move ahead of diplomatic and economic summits involving key regional players.