North Korea makes play for spot in China-Russia drills with missile test

AI Summary

North Korea conducted a missile test coinciding with the upcoming China-Russia maritime drills, signaling its intent to assert naval power and gain a strategic presence in the Joint Sea 2026 exercise region. The demonstration included rapid cruise missile launches viewed by leader Kim Jong-un.

Kim Jong-un stood on a cliff top and watched his navy come of age. As the North Korean leader looked on, 10 cruise missiles tore off the deck of the Kang Kon in rapid succession in a display of naval power Pyongyang could once only dream of staging. Analysts say the weapons test on Friday was no accident of timing – coming just days before Russia and China would begin their Joint Sea 2026 maritime exercise off Qingdao – and North Korea wanted to make sure everyone was watching. “North Korea is...