South Korea tests missile capable of striking all of North Korea.

(Baonghean) - Officials say South Korea has successfully test-fired two domestically produced ballistic missiles capable of striking all of North Korea, in response to the North's increased nuclear and missile capabilities.

The missiles, with a range of over 300 miles, were fired from a launch pad in the south, a Seoul defense official said. South Korean President Park Geun-hye personally oversaw the test firing.

South Koreans watched television footage of North Korea launching missiles late last year.

There was no immediate reaction from North Korea – which recently announced it had successfully developed a nuclear warhead small enough to fit on a long-range missile, and viewed the US-South Korea military exercises and tests as preparations for an attack.

North Korea's recent announcement of a submarine-launched missile test has raised considerable concerns about security and peace. South Korea suspects Pyongyang is researching and preparing for attacks. Foreign analysts question the claim but acknowledge that North Korea has made significant progress in its efforts to possess a nuclear missile capable of threatening the United States and South Korea. To date, international negotiations on North Korea's nuclear disarmament remain frozen.

The Korean Peninsula is fraught with instability due to the Korean War (1950-1953), which ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty. A regional arms race is a concern for the international community. Nevertheless, a 2012 agreement with the United States allows South Korea to possess ballistic missiles with a range of up to 500 miles.

Phuong Thao

(According to The Guardian, June 3rd)