N Korea test-fires four short-range missiles

North Korea test-fired four short-range missiles yesterday, further stoking tension in the region that was already high because of Pyongyang’s nuclear test and threats to boost its nuclear arsenal in response to UN sanctions.

The North, which often fires short-range missiles as part of military drills and usually times the launches for periods of diplomatic friction, was hit with UN sanctions following its May 25th nuclear test.

The salvo began with two surface-to-ship missiles fired off North Korea’s east coast between 5.20pm and 6pm (8.20am-9am GMT) that flew about 100km (62 miles) and splashed into the sea, a South Korean defence official said. A third short-range missile was fired about two hours later, the defence ministry said, and South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, citing officials in Seoul, later said a fourth had been fired.

North Korea last month warned shipping to keep away from a maritime zone extending 110km (68 miles) off its east coast between June 25th and July 10th, saying it was conducting a military drill.

“This activity is not unexpected,” said US Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman. “North Korea continues to develop and pursue missile technologies and the US continues to remain concerned about not only their missile activities but their proliferation activities and their nuclear programme.”

A South Korean daily said the secretive North may also test fire mid-range missiles, viewed by the South, the US and others as a more serious act, in a matter of days.

Japan, a party to suspended six-nation talks aimed at coaxing the isolated North to give up its nuclear programme in return for aid and greater diplomatic recognition, was quick to condemn Pyongyang’s latest action.

“We have often warned that such a provocative act is not beneficial for North Korea’s national interest,” the Japanese prime minister Taro Aso was quoted as saying.

The short-range missile launches came after regional markets had closed for the day, but East Asian investors have grown used to North Korea’s sabre-rattling and tend not to be fazed. – (Reuters)