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A new demonstration of military strength in Pyongyang is taking place before South Korean President Lee’s meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

North Korea launched several ballistic missiles from Pyongyang into the sea along its eastern coast on Sunday, according to South Korea’s military.

The missile test marks North Korea’s initial launch in two months, as well as its first of the current year.

The most recent test occurred only a few hours prior to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s trip to China for a summit.

What information is available regarding North Korea’s missile test?

Multiple launches of ballistic missiles were observedAround 7:50 a.m., South Korean military officials reported from the capital region of North Korea.

The projectiles were launched toward the East Sea, also referred to as the Sea of Japan.

Seoul reported that the missiles traveled approximately 900 kilometers (560 miles) and that South Korean and U.S. officials are closely monitoring the launches.

Seoul stated that the military is keeping a complete state of preparedness, having enhanced monitoring and alertness in response to potential further launches.

Japan also mentioned that its military has identified ballistic missiles, with Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stating that at least two missile launches from North Korea have been verified.

“They pose a significant challenge, endangering the peace and security of our country, the region, and the globe,” Koizumi said to journalists.

What makes North Korea’s missile tests important?

The most recent instance of Pyongyang launching ballistic missilesoccurred in November, when US President Donald Trump gave approval to South Korea’s initiative to construct a nuclear-powered submarine.

The newest release precedes Lee Jae Myung’s journey on Sunday to China, where he is scheduled to meet with Xi Jinping.Beijing serves as one of North Korea’s primary supporters..

The launch on Sunday also follows the US taking control of Venezuela, one of Pyongyang’s remaining allies.

Some analysts have remarked that theUS strikes on Venezuelamight be a cause for North Korea’s missile launches.

“They probably worry that should the United States decide, it could carry out a targeted attack at any time, endangering the regime’s existence,” Hong Min, an analyst from the Korea Institute for National Unification, said to the AFP news agency.

“The core message is probably that targeting North Korea would not be as straightforward as an attack on Venezuela,” he added.

Edited by: Karl Sexton

Author: Midhat Fatimah (with AFP, AP, Reuters)