North Korea tests hypersonic missile claiming to deter rivals in the Pacific

North Korea has tested a new hypersonic missile, claiming it will help deter rivals in the Pacific. The launch coincided with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to South Korea and comes ahead of the inauguration of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump. The missile reportedly flew 1,500 kilometers at speeds twelve times the speed of sound. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stated that the missile's advanced technology could pose a serious threat to rivals and enhance the country's defense capabilities. The test marks North Korea's first missile launch since November and showcases technology that only a few nations possess. U.S. and South Korean officials condemned the launch, emphasizing the need for a stronger alliance to address the threat.