North Korea Tests Cruise Missile as Trump Arrives in South Korea for Summit with Xi Jinping

Just before U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in South Korea, North Korea conducted a cruise missile test. Pyongyang confirmed that it had tested a ground-to-air missile.

Shortly after the test, President Trump landed in South Korea. He is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday in Seoul. The meeting between the two world leaders is expected to address significant geopolitical and economic concerns. The BBC reports that the missile test is likely a small step in North Korea’s effort to legitimize its nuclear arsenal.

According to state-run North Korean media, the missiles were launched vertically, staying airborne for approximately 7,800 seconds before reaching their destination.

Upon his arrival in South Korea on Wednesday, President Trump is set to meet with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung. Although a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had not been scheduled or hinted at, the focus will be on his discussions with Xi Jinping. The upcoming summit between the U.S. and Chinese leaders is especially significant given the ongoing trade tensions between the two largest global economies.

Trump has expressed optimism that his meeting with Xi will lead to resolutions on key issues, particularly trade disputes, which have escalated in recent months. The high-level talks between the two leaders are seen as crucial for stability in the Asian region.