North Korea tests sea-to-surface cruise missiles to widen naval reach

North Korea said Wednesday it test fired several sea-to-surface cruise missiles into its western waters on Tuesday, in a weapons demonstration that state media described as a step to expand the operational reach of its nuclear-armed forces. The launches were reported just hours before U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in South Korea for a regional summit and a scheduled meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.

North Korea's state Korean Central News Agency said the tests were successful, with the missiles flying for more than two hours before striking their intended targets. The agency quoted senior military officials as saying the trials would broaden the operational sphere of the country's nuclear forces and strengthen combat readiness. KCNA also reported that senior military official Pak Jong Chon attended the exercises and inspected training for sailors aboard the navy's newly developed destroyers Choe Hyon and Kang Kon.

South Korea's military did not immediately confirm whether it had detected the launches. The timing of the announcement drew attention because it preceded diplomatic events in the South Korean city of Gyeongju, where leaders were gathering for...