Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


North Korea Launches More Ballistic Missiles, Even During Pandemic

William Gallo

   SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - North Korea has test-fired what appear to be two
   short-range ballistic missiles, South Korea's military said Saturday.

   The weapons were fired from North Pyongan province and splashed into
   the sea off North Korea's east coast, according to the South Korean
   Joint Chiefs of Staff.

   It is not clear what kind of missiles were tested or how far they
   traveled. But Japan's defense ministry said the weapons were not
   estimated to have fallen in Japan's territory or exclusive economic
   zone.

   North Korea has conducted three rounds of short-range rocket tests this
   month, even while fighting off a potentially disastrous coronavirus
   outbreak.

   Everything's fine?

   Pyongyang, which has called coronavirus prevention a matter of
   "national survival," has reported no infections. Even as cases swell
   across the globe, North Korea is in some ways projecting an image of
   normality.

   This month, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has observed multiple
   "artillery fire competitions" between Korean People's Army units. In
   state media photos, Kim has notworna mask, though top officials around
   him sometimes do.

   In what appears to be another show of confidence in its ability to
   handle the pandemic, North Korea on Saturday announced it would go
   ahead with a major meeting of hundreds of political leaders. The Korean
   Central News Agency reported the plenary session of the Supreme
   People's Assembly would be held April 10.

   North Korea attempted to seal its borders to keep out the coronavirus
   in late January, just after the outbreak emerged in neighboring China.
   That move foreshadowed the severe immigration restrictions later seen
   in countries around the world. But completely sealing North Korea's
   borders would be difficult, since its economy relies on both formal and
   informal trade with China. Many experts say the coronavirus has almost
   certainly reached North Korea.

.