North Korea fired several missiles into the East Sea, or Sea of Japan, on Wednesday. Pyongyang conducted the weapons test a week before President Trump is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi in South Korea. 

According to South Korea’s Yonhap News, “Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said it detected multiple short-range ballistic missiles launched northeastward at about 8:10 AM.” It was the first missile test by North Korea in five months. 

“The South Korean and U.S. intelligence officials had detected signs of North Korea’s missile launch preparations in advance and had been monitoring the situation before detecting and tracking the launch immediately after it was carried out,” the JCS statement explained. 

It added, “The South’s military is closely monitoring the movements by the North under a resolute combined defense posture with the U.S. while maintaining the capability and readiness to respond overwhelmingly to any provocation.”

A US official condemned North Korea’s missile test in a statement to Yonhap. “We are aware of the DPRK’s multiple ballistic missile launches and are consulting closely with the Republic of Korea and Japan, as well as other regional allies and partners,” the US official said. 

He continued, “The United States condemns these actions, and calls on the DPRK to refrain from further unlawful and destabilizing acts.” North Korea has not issued a statement on the missile test. 

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula escalated throughout Joe Biden’s presidency. North Korean leaders have said they are open to reengaging with the US under President Trump, noting that Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un developed a positive relationship with the American leader during his first term. 

However, Pyongyang stated that a precondition for negotiations is that Washington must drop its demand for North Korean denuclearization. Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded by saying that the Trump administration will not shift from its hardline policy on nuclear weapons.