North Korea Launches Ballistic Missile into Yellow Sea

North Korea launched several projectiles, including a ballistic missile, into the Yellow Sea on Tuesday, 26 May. Pyongyang has conducted a series of missile tests in recent weeks. Analysts suggest the diplomatically isolated nation may be exploiting eroded international norms to bolster its nuclear status. North Korea has repeatedly rejected South Korea’s efforts to improve relations, with the communist state consistently referring to Seoul as its number-one enemy. According to AFP, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported detecting the launch of ‘several projectiles’, including a short-range ballistic missile, from Chongju in North Korea around 13:00 local time (04:00 GMT) into the Yellow Sea. The Yellow Sea is the body of water separating the Korean Peninsula from China. South Korea’s military stated the missiles flew approximately 80 kilometres (50 miles). They are analysing the missile specifications and range, and have ‘enhanced surveillance and vigilance in preparation for potential further launches’. Seoul’s military affirmed that South Korea, the United States, and Japan ‘maintain full readiness’ and share intelligence closely. Tuesday’s missile launch marks North Korea’s first in 37 days and the eighth of the year. In April, Pyongyang conducted a similar test to ‘verify the characteristics and explosive power of cluster bomb warheads’, according to state media. South Korean news agency Yonhap reported last week, citing unnamed government sources, that Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to visit North Korea this week. China remains North Korea’s primary economic and political supporter, although Pyongyang has grown closer to Russia in recent years.