North Korea cruise missile test highlights regional threats of Pyongyang to US allies, say experts

North Korea’s breakthrough test of a ‘strategic’ cruise missile could provoke a tougher approach, including tougher sanctions and missile defences from the US and allies, experts tell Shweta Sharma

Seoul residents watch a news programme featuring a North Korean photo captioned, ‘North Korea’s long-range cruise missiles tests’ (AP)

North Korea said it successfully tested its first “strategic” new long-range cruise missile over the weekend, stoking renewed concerns among US allies in South Korea and Japan by boosting arsenal capabilities that can strike targets in east Asia.

The new missile is capable of hitting targets at a distance of 1,500km (930 miles), according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KNCA) – a range that would make it capable of hitting much of Japan.

The test launch came just a day ahead of a meeting between chief nuclear negotiators of the US, Japan and South Korea to work out a plan to break the stand-off with North Korea. China’s foreign minister will also visit Seoul.