S. Korea, U.S., Japan hold consultations over N. Korea's latest missile launches

What happened: Senior diplomats from South Korea, the United States and Japan held telephone consultations Tuesday to share information and discuss responses to North Korea's latest ballistic missile launches, Seoul's foreign ministry Why it matters: The JCS said the launches appeared intended to demonstrate force in response to Seoul's successful hypersonic missile test and to showcase progress under the North's five-year defense development plan. The three countries operate a channel for promptly sharing information and assessments whenever North Korea launches ballistic missiles.

Senior diplomats from South Korea, the United States and Japan held telephone consultations Tuesday to share information and discuss responses to North Korea's latest ballistic missile launches, Seoul's foreign ministry

The JCS said the launches appeared intended to demonstrate force in response to Seoul's successful hypersonic missile test and to showcase progress under the North's five-year defense development plan. The three countries operate a channel for promptly sharing information and assessments whenever North Korea launches ballistic missiles.