Tensions Rise as North Korea Launches Ballistic Missiles Ahead of APEC Summit

North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles, marking its first launch since May. This development comes a week before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea, where U.S. President Donald Trump and South Korea's newly elected President Lee Jae Myung will attend. The launch defies a UN Security Council ban.

North Korea has reignited tensions in the region by launching a series of short-range ballistic missiles, defying a United Nations Security Council ban. South Korea's military confirmed the launch occurred just a week before the country hosts a key Asia-Pacific leaders' meeting.

This marks the first missile test conducted by Pyongyang since May and comes under the newly elected South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who has expressed an interest in engaging with North Korea. The missile launch highlights ongoing challenges in diplomatic relations between North Korea and the international community.

As ballistic missile capabilities continue to improve, the implications on regional security are significant, with U.S. President Donald Trump scheduled to discuss these issues with President Lee and potentially meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the upcoming APEC forum.

(With inputs from agencies.)