North Korea fired at least two ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan on Tuesday, Japanese and South Korean authorities confirmed, marking the country’s second missile test this month.

The launch came a day after a senior Pentagon official visited Seoul and praised South Korea as Washington’s “model ally.”

The Japanese Coast Guard, citing the Ministry of Defence, reported that the missiles were detected heading toward the Sea of Japan and landed outside Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff similarly confirmed that multiple ballistic missiles were fired toward the East Sea.

Analysts say Pyongyang has stepped up missile testing in recent years to enhance its precision strike capabilities, challenge Washington and Seoul, and evaluate weapons for potential export to Russia.

The tests follow increased military tensions on the peninsula, including joint US-South Korea exercises, which North Korea regularly condemns as preparations for invasion. Last month, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un criticized South Korea’s plan to develop nuclear-powered submarines with US support, describing it as a “threat” that must be countered.

The missile launches underscore ongoing regional security concerns, as the United States continues to station approximately 28,500 troops in South Korea to deter aggression from the nuclear-armed North.

United States President Donald Trump has warned Canada that it will face a sweeping 100 per cent tariff on all exports to the United States if it proceeds with a proposed trade agreement with China, escalating already strained relations between the two North American neighbours.

The warning followed recent comments by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who during a visit to Beijing last week announced what he described as a “new strategic partnership” with China, resulting in a preliminary trade agreement aimed at reducing tariffs. Trump reacted sharply, cautioning that any move positioning Canada as a gateway for Chinese goods into the US market would attract severe economic consequences.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Canada would be “sorely mistaken” if it believed it could serve as a transit hub for Chinese products entering the United States. He further claimed that China would “completely devour” Canada’s economy, businesses and social fabric if such a deal were pursued. According to him, the conclusion of a Canada–China trade pact would trigger an immediate 100 per cent tariff on all Canadian goods crossing into the US.

Trump also referred to Carney as “Governor,” a recurring jibe reflecting his repeated suggestion that Canada should become the 51st state of the United States. The US president recently amplified that rhetoric by sharing a social media image depicting Canada, Greenland and Venezuela covered by the American flag.

Diplomatic tensions have intensified in recent days following Carney’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he warned of a “rupture” in the US-led global order, remarks widely interpreted as a veiled criticism of Trump’s foreign policy posture. Trump responded a day later with a speech of his own and subsequently withdrew an invitation previously extended to Carney to join his so-called “Board of Peace,” an initiative initially framed around post-war Gaza but now seen as having broader ambitions.

Trump went further by asserting that Canada’s survival depends on the United States, telling Carney to “remember that” when making public statements. The Canadian prime minister rejected the claim, responding that Canada does not exist because of the United States but thrives because of its own national identity, while still acknowledging the longstanding partnership between both countries.

The dispute comes against the backdrop of deep economic interdependence. More than 75 per cent of Canadian exports are destined for the US market, making Canada particularly vulnerable to trade disruptions. Key sectors such as automobiles, aluminum and steel have already been affected by Trump’s global tariffs, though the impact has been partially softened by existing North American free trade arrangements.

Negotiations to revise the current trade framework are expected to begin later this year, with Trump repeatedly insisting that the United States does not require Canadian products—an assertion that analysts warn could have far-reaching consequences for Canada’s economy.

Despite the rising tensions, the United States, Canada and Mexico are jointly scheduled to host the World Cup later this year, underscoring the complexity of a relationship increasingly defined by sharp rhetoric alongside enduring economic and logistical cooperation.

Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has been sentenced to 23 years in prison after being convicted on charges linked to former President Yoon Suk-yeol’s brief and controversial declaration of martial law in December 2024.

The Seoul Central District Court found Han guilty of aiding Yoon’s attempt to impose martial law and failing to convene a lawful cabinet meeting, a requirement under South Korean law for such a decree. Judge Lee Jin-gwan emphasized that Han “disregarded his duty and responsibility as prime minister until the very end,” placing the nation at risk of returning to a period when citizens’ basic rights and democratic freedoms were under threat.

The court ordered Han’s immediate detention, citing concerns that he could interfere with ongoing investigations or destroy evidence. At 76, Han is the first member of Yoon’s cabinet to be convicted and jailed over the incident. He had consistently denied any prior knowledge of Yoon’s plan to mobilize the military.

This conviction follows last week’s sentencing of former President Yoon to five years in prison for offenses including obstructing authorities, falsifying documents, and procedural violations tied to the martial law episode. Yoon is also facing more serious charges of leading an insurrection, with the special prosecutor seeking the death penalty; a verdict is expected next month.

Al Jazeera correspondent Jack Barton described Han’s sentencing as a major turning point, noting that the 23-year term exceeds the 15 years sought by prosecutors and could signal the courts’ approach in Yoon’s upcoming trial.

Han Duck-soo’s conviction marks the first major judicial consequence for officials involved in the controversial martial law decree and sets a precedent for ongoing cases related to the episode.