North Korea Fires Short-Range Ballistic Missile Eastward, South Korea Says

Overview

• South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed at least one ballistic missile launch, describing the projectile as short-range and headed east toward the sea.
• Japan’s prime minister said there was no damage to the country’s exclusive economic zone and reported close coordination with the United States.
• It is the first ballistic launch reported since South Korea’s new government took office in June.
• The test precedes the Oct. 31–Nov. 1 APEC summit in South Korea, which is expected to draw U.S. President Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping.
• The launch follows an October parade in Pyongyang that showcased a new intercontinental ballistic missile in front of Chinese Premier Li Qiang.