North Korea launched ballistic missile on the day of Blinken visit to South Korea

In Seoul is currently Monday (6,1205) American Foreign Minister Anthony Blinken, while at the same time the missile test was carried out. North Korea launched a ballistic missile today, estimated to have been mid-range, around noon (local time, 05.00 Greek time), which spread over 1,100 km to the east before falling into the sea, according to the South Korean army. CORVERSE Speaking a few hours later, Blinken said at a press conference that the launch highlights the importance of co-operation between the US, South Korea and Japan, including sharing real-time missile data and carrying out trilateral military exercises. “Today’s launch is just a reminder to all of us of how important our work of cooperation is,” said the American Foreign Minister. Blinken also warned about the deepening of Pyongyang’s relations with Moscow. He stated that Washington believes that Russia intends to share technologies in the field of Space and satellites with North Korea in exchange for its support for the Ukraine war, where over 1,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded. CORVERSE President Joe Biden, who is leaving office this month, tried to deepen trilateral cooperation between the US, South Korea and Japan, despite the historical issues that often create tension in relations between these Asian countries. But the political turmoil in South Korea, along with the impending return of an unexpected government of Donald Trump in the US, raises questions as to whether these efforts can continue. South Korean MPs voted last month in favour of President Yoon’s dismissal Shock laughs, the exercise of whose duties was suspended, following his failed attempt to declare martial law on December 3. The Constitutional Court is expected to rule whether it will indeed be removed from office. If Yoon is permanently removed from office, presidential elections should be held and the liberals – considered the potential winners of such an election process – have criticised Yoon’s efforts to proceed with partnerships with Tokyo. Blinken, who also met today with Choi Sang-mok, who is currently acting as president of the country, told the press conference that while Washington has “serious concerns” about Yoon’s actions, he has confidence in the country’s institutions and democratic resilience. Today’s launch was Pyongyang’s first since November 5 when she launched at least seven short-range ballistic missiles. It was not immediately clear which type of rocket was launched.