North Korea launched a suspected ballistic missile towards the East Sea on Wednesday, sparking international condemnation and heightening tensions in the region.

According to Japan’s Defense Ministry, the missile was detected at 11:05pm local time and is believed to have landed in the sea, approximately 260 kilometers off the coast of the Japanese island of Hokkaido.

This is the second ballistic missile test by North Korea in less than a week, coming as Seoul and Washington prepare to begin their annual military drills next week.

North Korea’s Opposition to Military Drills

The launches appear to signal Pyongyang’s opposition to the exercises, which it views as a rehearsal for an invasion.

North Korea has long been wary of the joint military drills, which it sees as a threat to its national security.

Regional Reactions

The United States, South Korea, and Japan have all condemned the launch, with the US State Department calling it “a clear and significant threat to regional stability”.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol called the launch a “provocative act” and vowed to strengthen the country’s defenses in response.

Background on Tensions

North Korea has been escalating its military activities in recent months, testing a series of ballistic missiles and conducting nuclear tests.

The country has long been subject to international sanctions over its nuclear programme, and the recent launches have only served to heighten tensions with the international community.