North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile Towards Sea of Japan; Japan Issues Emergency Alert

• North Korea launched a suspected ballistic missile towards the Sea of Japan on Saturday, prompting an emergency alert in Japan.
• The Prime Minister’s Office of Japan confirmed the launch on X, stating authorities are gathering more information.
• The missile launch heightens regional tensions and security concerns, occurring just before Chinese President Xi Jinping hosts South Korean counterpart Lee Jae Myung.
• Japanese officials are monitoring the situation and coordinating with defense forces; no immediate damage or casualties reported.
• This is the latest in a series of North Korean missile tests, violating UN Security Council resolutions and drawing international condemnation.

Why It Matters: North Korea's latest ballistic missile launch towards the Sea of Japan triggers emergency alerts and raises regional tensions.