Pyongyang successfully launches three ballistic missiles at sea

The weapons have a range of 500-600 km, capable of hitting all of South Korea up to Busan. Experts concerned about the quality of the experiments on new fuels and cooling system. China criticizes Washington and Seoul deal on the new anti-missile system.

Seoul (AsiaNews) - North Korea launched three ballistic missiles eastward this morning. Experts are increasingly concerned about the military capabilities of the communist country.

The missiles were launched from the western area Hwangju towards the east between 5:45 and 6:40 (local time), with a range of 500-600 km. According to the South’s military authorities, the range makes all of South Korea a target, including the city of Busan, the port in the far south of the peninsula.

In recent months, Pyongyang has carried out several missile tests, including an experiment with medium-range missiles and one from a submarine base (v. Photo). According to nuclear experts contacted by AsiaNews, these experiments - taken lightly by the international community - are designed to test new fuels and new cylinder head cooling systems to extend the range of the missiles, which in the future could affect not only South Korean and Japan, but also Russia and the United States.

Today's launch also appears as a "physical" response to the "threat" posed by the US and Seoul, who want to deploy an anti-missile system in the South to counter the North. The system is called "Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)" and is able to hit short and medium-range missiles in the terminal phase of their flight.

Beijing has criticized Washington and Seoul’s decision as a provocation that could further destabilize regional security.

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