North Korea Hypersonic Missile 2026 Test: Strategic Provocation Amid Seoul-Beijing Summit

While diplomatic gears were turning in Beijing, engines were roaring in the East Sea. On January 4, 2026, North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles toward the East Sea, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). This military demonstration occurred precisely as South Korean President Lee arrived in Beijing for a high-stakes summit with Xi Jinping, creating a complex geopolitical backdrop for the talks.

The North Korea Hypersonic Missile 2026 Test and Kim’s Presence

North Korean state media later confirmed that leader Kim Jong-un personally oversaw the testing of new hypersonic missiles on Sunday. Pyongyang claimed the test successfully verified the maneuverability and flight reliability of the weapon system. This follows Kim's recent inspection of a large-caliber multiple rocket launcher factory, signaling a consistent push to modernize the North's unconventional arsenal despite international sanctions.

A Calculated Signal to Beijing and Seoul

The timing of the launch doesn't seem accidental. Experts suggest that by launching advanced missiles during the Seoul-Beijing summit, Pyongyang is asserting its role as a primary player in regional security. While President Lee seeks closer cooperation with China to stabilize the peninsula, North Korea is reminding both nations that its military capabilities can disrupt any diplomatic agenda at will.