North Korea's Missile Test Ahead of G20 Leaders' Summit

Ahead of the G20 leaders' summit this week in Hamburg, Germany, the South Korean military announced early Tuesday that North Korea has tested a ballistic missile. According to Reuters, the Japanese government also stated that the missile likely landed in the 'exclusive economic zone' 40 minutes after launch. The Japanese government has strongly protested this missile test, deeming it a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. The South Korean military reported that the missile was launched from Panghyon, located 100 kilometers northwest of Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, towards the East Sea (Sea of Japan). The missile reportedly traveled approximately 930 kilometers. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stated on Tuesday that North Korea is ignoring international community warnings. He added that world leaders will be present at the G20 summit, where he will call for international solidarity regarding the North Korean issue. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized the need for a decisive response to North Korea's threats after meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Trump stated that North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile program requires a 'decisive response' and that the period of 'strategic patience' with Pyongyang is over. North Korea had conducted several missile tests in June, but this latest test comes as leaders from Japan, China, South Korea, and the U.S. are expected to discuss North Korea's nuclear and missile programs at the G20 summit on July 7-8. In this context, Trump had separate phone conversations on July 2 with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe regarding the implications of North Korea's missile and nuclear tests. The North Korean missile test on Tuesday coincided with July 4, the day of American Independence.