The launch occurred hours before Independence Day began in the United States. In 2006, as the July 4 holiday was still being celebrated, North Korea test-fired six ballistic missiles.
Advertisement
Continue reading the main story
On Twitter late Monday, Mr. Trump wrote: “North Korea has just launched another missile. Does this guy have anything better to do with his life?” That was an apparent reference to North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un.
North Korea last launched a ballistic missile from Kusong on May 14, when it tested what it called a new ballistic missile that could carry a large, heavy nuclear warhead. The intermediate-range Hwasong-12, believed to have a longer range than any other North Korean missile tested until then, landed in the sea between the North and Japan. It flew 489 miles and soared to an altitude of 1,312 miles.
At the time, North Korea said that the missile was launched at a deliberately high angle so it would not fall too close to a neighboring country, and that if launched at a normal trajectory, it could target American military bases in the Pacific. Some outside analysts have reached a similar conclusion.
Newsletter Sign Up
Continue reading the main story
Thank you for subscribing.
An error has occurred. Please try again later.
You are already subscribed to this email.
North Korea also launched what the Pentagon called “a medium- or intermediate-range ballistic missile” from the Banghyon air base on Feb. 12. The missile, which was identified as a Pukguksong-2, flew 310 miles. North Korea has said Pukguksong-2 could carry a nuclear payload. The missile was also fired from a mobile-launch vehicle and used a solid-fuel technology that missile experts said will make it easier to hide it and launch on short notice.
The Pukguksong-2 test was conducted as Mr. Trump was hosting Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, on an official visit.
North Korea has been trying to build a reliable intermediate-range ballistic missile, which would be capable of reaching American military bases in the Pacific. At the same time, it has vowed to develop the ability to attack the United States with nuclear warheads, although it has never tested an intercontinental ballistic missile that could fly across the Pacific.
Missile experts say North Korea may still be years away from mastering the technologies needed to build a reliable intercontinental ballistic missile, although Mr. Kim warned in his New Year’s Day speech that his country had reached a “final stage” in preparing to conduct its first ICBM test.
Analysts say North Korea has often raised tensions to increase its leverage when its foes implement sanctions or propose negotiations.
Mr. Trump has been trying, so far without success, to enlist China to pressure Pyongyang to curtail its nuclear and missile programs. During their summit meeting in Washington on Friday, Mr. Trump and Mr. Moon called for a determined response to North Korea while also keeping the door open for dialogue if the North agreed to ease tensions.
Continue reading the main story