North Korea second ballistic missile test

North Korea conducted its second ballistic missile test in less than a week, launching a missile from the Wonsan area on August 12, 2026. The missile flew over 700 kilometers and landed in waters outside Japan's exclusive economic zone. The launch is seen as a protest against the upcoming annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises between South Korea and the United States, scheduled to begin on August 17. South Korea's United States — Joint Chiefs of Staff detected the launch, and Japan's Defense Ministry also confirmed it. South Korea's National Security Council held an emergency meeting and condemned the launch as a provocation violating UN Security Council resolutions. Japan lodged a protest through diplomatic channels. The test follows a previous short-range ballistic missile launch on August 6. North Korea has continued to expand its missile and nuclear capabilities since diplomatic talks with the United States broke down in 2019. The country has also strengthened ties with Russia and China, with Chinese President Xi Jinping visiting Pyongyang in June.