North Korea fired an unidentified projectile into the East Sea on Sunday, with Japan saying it was suspected to be a ballistic missile. The launch came just days after Pyongyang rejected an International Atomic Energy Agency resolution calling for an end to its nuclear activities, putting the latest missile launch against the backdrop of renewed tensions over North Korea’s nuclear programme.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the launch but did not immediately provide details about the projectile or its flight characteristics.

Japan’s prime minister’s office also reported the launch on X, describing the object as a suspected ballistic missile. Japan’s Defence Ministry later said the projectile had already fallen.

The latest launch comes only eight days after North Korea fired several short-range ballistic missiles towards the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan. Pyongyang later described that launch as part of a joint firepower drill.

North Korea rejects IAEA pressure over nuclear programme

The missile launch follows a fresh confrontation between North Korea and the UN nuclear watchdog.

During the International Atomic Energy Agency’s General Conference this week, North Korea rejected a resolution demanding that it stop its nuclear activities.

A North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the resolution would have no impact on the country’s position as a nuclear weapons state, referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

Pyongyang also accused what it called “hostile forces” of attempting to dismantle the country’s nuclear programme.

North Korea has legally established itself as a nuclear-armed state, while its leadership has described its nuclear arsenal as permanent and irreversible.

North Korea’s nuclear arsenal

The latest missile launch comes amid continuing uncertainty over the size of North Korea’s nuclear stockpile.

US President Donald Trump said in August that North Korea possessed 57 nuclear weapons, describing them as “very powerful”. South Korea has estimated that North Korea could have between 80 and 120 nuclear weapons.

The latest projectile launch adds to a series of recent missile tests by Pyongyang, while the country continues to reject international efforts aimed at curbing its nuclear programme.