During a visit to Seoul, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for deeper cooperation between the United States, South Korea, and Japan in response to North Korea’s latest missile test. The test, which involved an intermediate-range ballistic missile, occurred at noon and traveled over 1,100 kilometers before landing in the sea, according to South Korea’s military.
Blinken, addressing a news conference hours after the launch, underscored the importance of collaboration among the three nations, particularly in sharing real-time missile data and conducting joint military exercises. “Today’s launch is just a reminder to all of us of how important our collaborative work is,” he stated.
The Secretary of State also raised concerns about North Korea’s strengthening ties with Russia, suggesting that Moscow might provide space and satellite technology to Pyongyang in exchange for its support in the Ukraine war. Blinken cited reports of over 1,000 North Korean soldiers killed or wounded in the conflict.
The missile launch comes as the Biden administration has made significant progress in fostering trilateral cooperation with South Korea and Japan, overcoming historical tensions between the two Asian allies. However, political uncertainties in South Korea and the potential return of former US President Donald Trump have cast doubt on the sustainability of these efforts.
South Korean politics are in turmoil following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was suspended from office after his controversial declaration of martial law on December 3. The Constitutional Court is currently deliberating Yoon’s impeachment, and if upheld, a presidential election would likely see liberals—who have been critical of Yoon’s efforts to partner with Tokyo—take power.
In a meeting with South Korea’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, Blinken expressed “serious concerns” over Yoon’s actions but affirmed Washington’s confidence in South Korea’s democratic institutions.
The missile test was North Korea’s first since November 5, when it launched at least seven short-range ballistic missiles. While the type of missile used in the latest test remains unclear, North Korea has been advancing its missile technology, including solid-fuel designs. These missiles are easier to operate, harder to detect, and more survivable than their liquid-fuel counterparts.
North Korea’s development of solid-fuel missiles and hypersonic glide vehicles signals its intent to strengthen its capabilities, further highlighting the urgency for coordinated deterrence among the US, South Korea, and Japan.