North Korea fires ballistic missile from submarine towards Japan as streak of chilling weapons tests continues

NORTH Korea has fired a submarine launched ballistic missile into the sea off Japan, South Korea's military has said.

The firing of what Pyongyang has called the "world's most powerful weapon" is the latest in a chilling series of missile tests by the nuclear armed state.

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The device had "lots of advanced control guidance technologies", the official Korean Central News Agency said.

A proven submarine-based missile capability would take the North's arsenal to a new level.

It would allow deployment far beyond the Korean peninsula and a second-strike capability in the event of an attack on its military bases.

North Korea last tested a submarine-launched ballistic missile, or SLBM, in October 2019.

Analysts had expected North Korea to resume tests of such weapons after it rolled out at least two new submarine-launched missiles during recent military parades

And there have also been signs that North Korea is trying to build a larger submarine that would be capable of carrying and firing multiple missiles.

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The missile was launched around 10:17am near the port city of Sinpo, according to Joint Chiefs of Staff. 

“Our military is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining readiness posture in close cooperation with the United States, to prepare for possible additions launches,” a statement said.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida called the launch “regrettable.”

North Korea has carried out a series missile tests in recent weeks, including what it claims are hypersonic weapons.

Some of these tests violate strict international sanctions.

The country is specifically prohibited by the United Nations from testing ballistic missiles as well as nuclear weapons.

The UN Security Council will hold an emergency closed-door meeting on North Korea on Wednesday.

may be part of coming back to international affairs after going on hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Last week, a video showing a was released with Kim seen clapping and grinning along with his sister Kim Yo-Jong.

Negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang have been at a stalemate for over two years.

Following his fallout with then-President , the North Korean Supreme Leader announced that he would not take steps towards denuclearization. 

The Kim regime has also refused offers from the to continue talks unless the US holds off on their sanctions against the country.

The recent weapons test comes as intelligence officials from the US, South Korea and Japan were set to meet in to discuss the stalemate from the nation up north.

Analysts believe North Korea may have been trying to upstage South Korea’s arms fair.

Representatives from hundreds of international companies came to Seoul for the International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition opening ceremony.

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Attack helicopters, fighter jets, drones and other weapons are set to be displayed.

South Korea is also preparing to fire its first space launch vehicle on Thursday which will definitely ruffle some feathers up north.

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