Archive · 5 Jan 2026
North Korea Launches Missiles Amid South Korea-China Summit
North Korea launched several ballistic missiles into the sea on Sunday.
This happened just before South Korea's president went to China to talk about peace.
South Korea and its allies, like the US and Japan, are watching closely.
North Korea has been testing a lot of weapons lately to show off its military strength.
Meanwhile, South Korea's stock market hit a record high on Monday because of good news about computer chips.
Some stocks that do business with China went down because there might still be problems with China not letting in Korean movies and music.
The South Korean president is in China to ask for help in dealing with North Korea.
China is a big friend of North Korea, so South Korea wants China to help make peace.
North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, has been making more weapons and working closely with Russia and China.
He thinks this makes him stronger in talks with the US.
North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles towards the sea on Sunday, flying about 900 kilometers (560 miles).
South Korea's president, Lee Jae Myung, began a state visit to China hours after the missile launches to discuss regional issues and peace.
South Korean shares rose more than 2% to hit a record high on Monday, driven by a rally in chipmakers like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.
Stocks with exposure to China fell ahead of the summit due to concerns about an unofficial ban on Korean culture in China.
South Korea and the US are closely monitoring the situation and exchanging information with Japan, while North Korea increases its weapons testing ahead of its ruling party congress expected in January or February.
- Who
- North Korea, South Korea, China, US, Japan
- What
- North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles and South Korean shares hit a record high.
- When
- Sunday and Monday
- Where
- Missiles launched from North Korea's capital region, flew towards the sea; South Korean financial markets
- Why
- To demonstrate military capabilities ahead of the ruling party congress and in response to regional dynamics; South Korean shares rose due to a chip rally and foreign investment.
North Korea's Perspective
South Korea and Allies' Perspective
Missile Launches
North Korea's Perspective
North Korea views missile launches as necessary for national defense and deterrence, especially ahead of the ruling party congress.
South Korea and Allies' Perspective
South Korea, the US, and Japan see the missile launches as provocative and a threat to regional stability.
Diplomatic Relations
North Korea's Perspective
North Korea seeks to strengthen ties with China and Russia to counterbalance US influence.
South Korea and Allies' Perspective
South Korea aims to engage China diplomatically to address North Korean issues and promote regional peace.
- Missile Range
- 900 kilometers (560 miles)
- Launch Time
- 7:50 am
- South Korean President
- Lee Jae Myung
- Chinese President
- Xi Jinping
- North Korean Leader
- Kim Jong Un
- Expected Party Congress
- January or February
- Missile Production Expansion
- 2.5 times
- KOSPI Index
- 4,401.53 (record high)
- Samsung Electronics Rise
- 5.21%
- SK Hynix Rise
- 1.48%
Sources
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung arrives in China amid North Korea missile launches
North Korea Test-Fires Ballistic Missiles, South Korea Monitors 'Threat'
South Korean President Lee arrives in Beijing for summit talks with Xi
US says is aware of North Korea missile launches, reaffirms defence commitment to allies
South Korean shares hit record high on chip rally; China-related stocks fall
North Korea Test-Fires Hypersonic Missiles, Kim Jong Un Cites "Geopolitical Crisis"
North Korea’s Kim oversaw hypersonic missile test, KCNA says
China may take time to lift unofficial ban on Korean culture, South Korean official says