Seoul: North Korea conducted a new series of missile tests, launching several short-range ballistic missiles into the Yellow Sea off the country's west coast, as confirmed by South Korea's military today.

According to Thai News Agency, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported that the launches included at least one short-range ballistic missile from a site in Jongju, North Pyongan Province. The missile traveled approximately 80 kilometers before descending into a trench in the Yellow Sea. This test comes 37 days after North Korea's previous missile launch on April 19, which involved a short-range ballistic missile with a cluster warhead.

In response, the South Korean military has heightened its vigilance, actively sharing intelligence and coordinating with the United States and Japan to sustain combat readiness. A spokesperson from the South Korean Foreign Ministry has called for North Korea to halt its provocations and pursue peaceful measures to reduce the escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Interestingly, this missile test took place only hours after South Korean President Lee Jae-myung highlighted the importance of advancing military technology at a cabinet meeting. He stressed the need for developments in artificial intelligence, military drones, and the consideration of acquiring nuclear-powered submarines. Analysts suggest that the missile launch could be a strategic move by North Korea to demonstrate military strength, particularly with speculation about a potential visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping, aiming to assert its position as a nuclear state.