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North Korea's New Year Missile Test: US Reaffirms Defense Pledge to Allies

The US Indo-Pacific Command has stated it is aware of North Korea's first missile launches of 2025, assessing they pose no immediate threat to US personnel or allies. The statement reaffirmed Washington's unwavering commitment to the defense of its regional allies. The launches occur amid South Korean warnings of unprecedented instability on the peninsula, fueled by deepening military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. The test also coincides with a planned state visit by South Korea's president to China for a summit with President Xi Jinping.

Key Points: US Reacts to North Korea Missile Launch, Vows Ally Defense

  • US assesses no immediate threat
  • Reaffirms defense commitment to allies
  • Follows warnings of deepening North Korea-Russia ties
  • Coincides with key South Korea-China summit
2 min read

US says is aware of North Korea missile launches, reaffirms defence commitment to allies

The US Indo-Pacific Command responds to North Korea's first 2025 missile test, assessing no immediate threat while reaffirming its security commitment to regional allies.

"The security situation surrounding the Korean Peninsula has become more unstable than ever. - South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back"

Washington, Jan 4

A US military command said it is aware of North Korea's missile launches this week while reaffirming its security commitment to allies in the region.

The Indo-Pacific Command issued a statement after Pyongyang lobbed multiple ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on Sunday morning (Korea time), marking its first missile test this year.

"We are aware of the missile launches and are consulting closely with our allies and partners. Based on current assessments, this event does not pose an immediate threat to US personnel or territory, or to our allies," the command said, Yonhap News Agency reported.

"The United States remains committed to the defence of the US homeland and our allies in the region," it added.

The North's latest launches came as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung plans to have a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing during his four-day state visit to China this week.

They also followed US President Donald Trump's announcement that the US has captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in a military strike in Caracas to bring him to face American justice for drug trafficking and other charges.

On December 29, South Korea's Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back warned of a growing security instability surrounding the Korean Peninsula, citing a deepening military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.

"The security situation surrounding the Korean Peninsula has become more unstable than ever," Ahn said in a speech at a forum on an alliance with the United States.

"North Korea is advancing its nuclear and missile capabilities and modernising its conventional forces through military cooperation with Russia," Ahn said in the speech.

Ahn called such cooperation between North Korea and Russia a "grave challenge," not only to the Korean Peninsula but also to the international community.

South Korea's intelligence agency has estimated that North Korea has deployed around 15,000 troops to Russia to support its war with Ukraine since October last year.

In return, North Korea was expected to gain access to Russia's cutting-edge military technologies.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The timing is interesting with the South Korean President visiting China. Makes you wonder about the geopolitical chess game. Hope our diplomats are taking notes. Stability in Asia is crucial for our economic growth too. 🇮🇳
R
Rohit P
15,000 North Korean troops in Ukraine? That's a massive number. This conflict is drawing in more players. The world seems to be dividing into clear camps again. India's balanced position is more important than ever.
S
Sarah B
The US statement feels like a standard response. "Aware of... consulting with allies... no immediate threat." It's the long-term threat that's worrying. A nuclear-armed North Korea with Russian backing is a scary combination for global security.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, while the article focuses on US commitments, I wish it gave more perspective on what South Korea and Japan themselves are doing. Their voices and strategies matter most here. The regional players should lead the response.
K
Karthik V
Another missile test, another statement. This cycle has been going on for years. The real story is the technology exchange. If Russia gives NK advanced missile or satellite tech, the game changes completely. Not good for anyone.

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