South Korea’s defence ministry said the missiles travelled approximately 900 kilometres, a range that places much of the region within reach. Officials noted that the launches violate United Nations Security Council resolutions that ban Pyongyang from conducting ballistic missile tests.

Japan confirmed that two missiles were launched and warned that the tests pose a serious threat to both regional and global security. Tokyo said it had lodged a formal protest, calling the launches reckless and destabilising.

The missile tests occurred just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae-myung departed for China, where he is expected to seek Beijing’s assistance in restarting stalled diplomatic talks with North Korea. Analysts say the timing of the launches may complicate diplomatic efforts and was likely intended to send a strong political and military signal.

North Korea has frequently used weapons tests to underscore its military capabilities, particularly during periods of diplomatic engagement or ahead of major political events. Critics argue the latest launches are part of a broader show of force ahead of the country’s next ruling Workers’ Party summit, where military strategy and defence priorities are expected to feature prominently.

Pyongyang has defended its weapons programs as necessary for self-defence, citing what it calls hostile policies by the United States and its allies. Washington, Seoul, and Tokyo maintain that North Korea’s missile and nuclear activities undermine regional stability and threaten international security.

There was no immediate indication that the missiles caused damage, but defence officials across the region said monitoring and readiness levels had been heightened in response to the launches.

The renewed fighting marks the most serious escalation since both countries signed a U.S.-mediated ceasefire agreement in October, brokered by President Donald Trump. However, each government now accuses the other of violating the terms of the deal. Thailand reported launching airstrikes after claiming Cambodian forces breached the truce, while Phnom Penh insists it has only acted in self defense.

The border region has long been a flashpoint, particularly around disputed areas containing ancient temples and resource rich zones. Previous conflicts in 2008, 2011, and now again in 2025 have underscored the fragility of peace efforts between the two Southeast Asian neighbours.

Cambodia’s call for diplomacy comes amid growing international concern, with analysts warning that sustained hostilities could endanger civilian populations and destabilise broader regional security. Phnom Penh says dialogue is the only viable path forward and urged Thailand to return to the negotiating table “before the situation spirals further out of control.”

This marks their first direct conversation since Takaichi’s recent remarks triggered a major diplomatic dispute with China. The call is being interpreted in Tokyo as a reaffirmation of the Japan–U.S. strategic partnership at a sensitive moment in regional geopolitics.

According to Takaichi, President Trump expressed continued commitment to close coordination with Japan, signalling that Washington stands firmly behind its ally despite rising tensions in East Asia.

The conversation comes as Japan navigates a complex diplomatic landscape involving security concerns, trade relations, and its escalating war of words with Beijing.