North Korea conducts missile tests just hours before Trump lands in Seoul

US President Donald Trump arrived in South Korea on Wednesday as part of the last stop of his tour across Asia. His arrival came shortly after North Korea launched several cruise missiles from the sea into its western waters.

The missile tests increased regional tensions, especially since Trump’s visit was expected to include important discussions on security and diplomacy in East Asia, particularly regarding North Korea’s weapons program and stability in the region.

The launches took place in the yellow sea and missiles reportedly flew for over two hours before precisely hitting their designated targets.

Senior military leader Pak Jong Chon supervised the launch, calling it a “major success” in enhancing North Korea’s nuclear deterrence.

He said the exercise aimed to evaluate the “reliability of various strategic offensive systems” and to showcase the country’s military preparedness to its “adversaries.”

“It is our solemn mission and duty to continuously strengthen our nuclear combat readiness,” Pak said, as quoted by KCNA.