U.S. President Donald Trump's expressions of openness to talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have been met with silence and tests of nuclear-capable missiles. North Korea announced on Wednesday that it test-fired sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles a day earlier, according to state-run media. The tests were overseen not by Kim but by senior military official Pak Jong Chon, and appear to be a message to Trump as he met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo.
North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency reported that the test of sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles conducted on Tuesday was overseen by Pak Jong Chon, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission. U.S. President Donald Trump had recently expressed openness to talks with leader Kim Jong Un, but the response has been silence from Pyongyang.
The announcement came as Trump met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo, suggesting an apparent message directed at the U.S. leader. North Korea continues to develop missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons, heightening tensions in the region.
Allies including South Korea, Japan, and the United States have condemned such tests and stressed the need for diplomatic efforts. The Trump administration maintains the possibility of dialogue while bolstering defense postures.
(Note: Information is strictly based on provided sources, without added inferences.)