North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles today, just days ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea and a planned visit by U.S. President Donald Trump. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missiles were launched from Junghwa in North Hwanghae Province and flew about 350 kilometres.

 

 

The timing raises concerns of escalating provocations as Pyongyang seeks recognition as a nuclear power. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected in Seoul for the APEC summit beginning on 31st October. South Korea has increased monitoring and is coordinating with the U.S. and Japan.