Key facts
- North Korea launched a ballistic missile on Wednesday.
- The missile flew over 700 kilometers and landed in waters outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.
- This is North Korea's second ballistic missile test in less than a week.
- The launch precedes annual military drills between South Korea and the United States.
- South Korea and Japan have condemned the launch as a provocation.
North Korea conducted its second ballistic missile test in less than a week on Wednesday, with South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff reporting the weapon was fired from the eastern coastal area near Wonsan and flew more than 700 kilometers. Japan's Defense Ministry also detected the launch, stating it landed in waters outside its exclusive economic zone. The timing of the test, occurring two days after South Korea and the United States announced their annual large-scale military drills set to begin on August 17, is seen as a likely protest against exercises North Korea considers an invasion rehearsal. South Korea's military affirmed its readiness to counter any provocations, while its national security council labeled the launches as "acts of provocation" and urged an immediate halt. Japan strongly protested the launch, with its Defense Minister calling it a serious problem affecting Japanese safety.