North Korea Missiles Fly Toward the Sea Hours Before Seoul’s China Visit

Advanced | January 6, 2026

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North Korea Missiles: A Loud Message Before a Diplomatic Trip

On Sunday, January 4, 2026, North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles toward the sea in its first such test in about two months. South Korea’s military said it detected several launches from the Pyongyang area at around 7:50 a.m. local time, and reported the missiles flew about 900 km. (Reuters)

The Timing Was Not Subtle

The launches happened just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for a four-day state visit to China, where he is expected to discuss North Korea’s nuclear program and ask Beijing to play a more “constructive role” on the peninsula. (AP News) In other words: Pyongyang didn’t want this trip to happen quietly.

What Seoul, Tokyo, and Washington Said

South Korea and Japan condemned the launches as violations of U.N. Security Council resolutions that ban North Korea’s ballistic missile activity. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said it did not assess an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, but emphasized close coordination with allies. (Reuters)

Why North Korea Might Be Doing This Now

Analysts told Reuters the message could be aimed at China as much as South Korea: “Don’t get too cozy.” North Korea also appears to be ramping up weapons messaging ahead of its Workers’ Party congress, where Kim Jong Un typically sets direction and priorities. (Reuters)

The Venezuela Connection (Yes, Really)

Here’s a strange twist: North Korea publicly condemned the recent U.S. strike in Venezuela that captured President Nicolás Maduro, calling it a violation of sovereignty—then, almost immediately, launched missiles of its own. Reuters reported North Korea used the Venezuela event to argue that countries need strong deterrence to survive in a “geopolitical crisis.” (Reuters)

Business Angle: Why This Trip Matters Beyond Politics

President Lee’s China visit isn’t just diplomacy—it’s business. Reuters reported he arrived in Beijing with more than 200 South Korean business leaders, including top executives from Samsung, SK Group, and Hyundai, and the agenda includes supply chains, investment, the digital economy, and cultural exchanges. That’s why North Korea missiles matter: a single launch can increase risk perception, complicate negotiations, and make companies more cautious about big cross-border plans. (Reuters)

Vocabulary

Projectile (noun) – something launched through the air, like a missile.
Example: The military said several projectiles were launched toward the sea.
Detect (verb) – to notice or discover something, often using equipment.
Example: South Korea said it detected launches around 7:50 a.m.
Condemn (verb) – to strongly criticize publicly.
Example: Japan condemned the launch as a threat to regional security.
Violation (noun) – an action that breaks a rule or law.
Example: Seoul called the launch a violation of U.N. resolutions.
Resolution (noun) – an official decision or rule by an organization.
Example: U.N. resolutions restrict North Korea’s missile activity.
Summit (noun) – a top-level meeting between leaders.
Example: The Beijing summit is expected to include North Korea on the agenda.
Constructive (adjective) – helpful and aimed at improving something.
Example: Lee said China should play a constructive role in peace efforts.
Deterrence (noun) – the ability to prevent action by fear of consequences.
Example: North Korea claims its weapons provide deterrence.
Escalation (noun) – a situation becoming more intense or serious.
Example: A missile launch can lead to escalation and retaliation.
Risk perception (noun) – how risky people feel a situation is.
Example: Rising risk perception can slow business investment decisions.

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

Why do you think North Korea chose this specific timing to launch missiles?
What details about the launch (time, location, distance) stood out to you?
How did South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. respond differently?
Why might North Korea be sending a message to China specifically?
What is the most important “business angle” in this story?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Do missile tests work as “messaging,” or do they usually backfire?
How should countries balance diplomacy with national security concerns?
Why do supply chains and investment talks get affected by security events?
What role should China play in reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula?
If you were a CEO, what would you do differently after news like this?

Related Idiom

“Send a signal” – to communicate a message indirectly through actions.

Example: North Korea missiles fired before the Beijing trip look like a move to send a signal to both Seoul and Beijing.

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