North Korea tests hypersonic missile aimed at Pacific targets
North Korea announced it tested a new hypersonic intermediate-range missile aimed at targets in the Pacific. The missile reportedly flew 932 miles, reaching speeds of 12 times the speed of sound, although South Korea's military doubts these claims. This test follows a year of extensive weapons development by North Korea, including various missile systems capable of reaching the U.S. military hub in Guam. The launch occurred during U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to South Korea, where he condemned the missile test. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un emphasized the need to expand the country's nuclear capabilities. He did not directly criticize the U.S., South Korea, or Japan, but reiterated his commitment to counter perceived security threats.