North Korea links missile launch to 'recent geopolitical crisis'

Seoul and Tokyo said on Sunday they had detected the launch from near Pyongyang of two ballistic missiles - the country's first test of the year just hours before South Korean leader Lee Jae Myung headed to Beijing for a summit. On Monday, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) quoted Kim as saying the test showed "the readiness of the DPRK's nuclear forces", referring to North Korea by its official name. "Why it is necessary is exemplified by the recent geopolitical crisis and complicated international events," Kim was quoted as saying, a clear reference to Washington's weekend capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.