North Korea Fires Multiple Ballistic Missiles Hours Before South Korean President’s China Visit
Updated (2 articles)
Missile Launch Detected Over Eastern Waters At about 07:50 a.m. local time, North Korea fired several ballistic missiles from the capital region toward the eastern sea, a trajectory confirmed by South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff and Japan’s Defence Ministry. The missiles are believed to have impacted the sea with no damage reported. This is the first ballistic test since the November launch and follows a December 28 long‑range cruise‑missile test. [1][2]
Timing Coincides With High‑Level Diplomatic Trip The launches occurred just hours before President Lee Jae‑Myung left for a state visit to China to meet President Xi Jinping, a trip aimed at securing Beijing’s help in restarting peninsula dialogue. Seoul’s timing suggests Pyongyang intends to project strength while diplomatic overtures are underway. The activity also precedes the Ninth Workers’ Party Congress, where Kim Jong Un has ordered a more than double increase in tactical guided‑weapon production. [1][2]
Regional Surveillance Intensified After Launch South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff announced heightened surveillance and real‑time data sharing with the United States and Japan following the launch. Both allies are coordinating to monitor any further activity, though specifics on missile range or type remain undisclosed. Japan reiterated its routine monitoring and confirmed the missiles likely fell into the sea. [1][2]
Analysts Suggest Possible Russian Support Some analysts argue Russia may be providing technical assistance to North Korea’s missile program in exchange for munitions and troops for the war in Ukraine. This speculation adds a geopolitical layer to the launch, which already complicates regional stability ahead of diplomatic engagements. [1]
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
Newsweek: North Korea launches multiple ballistic missiles, South Korea says: Details the 07:50 a.m. launch toward eastern waters, ties it to the upcoming Workers’ Party congress and Lee’s China summit, notes tightened surveillance with the U.S. and Japan, and raises the possibility of Russian assistance.
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[2]
CNN: North Korea fires ballistic missiles as South Korean leader begins state visit to China: Confirms the launch timing, reports missiles likely fell into the sea, emphasizes Lee’s state visit to Beijing, highlights Kim’s order to double weapon production, and describes heightened surveillance and data sharing with U.S. and Japan.
Timeline
Nov 2025 – North Korea conducts its last ballistic‑missile test before a two‑month pause, setting a baseline for the renewed launch activity seen in early 2026 [1].
Dec 28, 2025 – Kim Jong Un oversees a long‑range strategic cruise‑missile test; the missiles fly for about 10,200 seconds, underscoring Pyongyang’s focus on deterrence ahead of the upcoming Workers’ Party congress [2].
Jan 4, 2026 (~7:50 a.m. local time) – North Korea fires a salvo of ballistic missiles from the Pyongyang area toward the eastern waters; Japan’s Defence Ministry says the missiles likely land in the sea, and no damage is reported [1][2].
Jan 4, 2026 – South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff heightens surveillance, shares real‑time data with the United States and Japan, and prepares for possible further launches [1][2].
Jan 4, 2026 – Kim Jong Un visits a munitions factory and orders that production capacity for tactical guided weapons be more than doubled, a move tied to preparations for the Ninth Party Congress [1].
Jan 4, 2026 – South Korean President Lee Jae‑Myung departs for a state visit to China, timing his trip just hours after the missile launches and aiming to press Beijing to facilitate dialogue with North Korea [1][2].
Jan 4, 2026 – Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to host President Lee, with Beijing expected to play a constructive role in regional peace efforts, though specific diplomatic outcomes remain undefined [1].
2026 (later in the year) – North Korea plans to hold its Ninth Workers’ Party Congress, where officials are likely to outline new policies on U.S. relations and nuclear negotiations, a backdrop that frames the January missile tests [2].