North Korea has test-launched a new type of long-range cruise missile, calling it "a strategic weapon of great significance." The country’s media reported that the missile tests were carried out successfully on Saturday and Sunday. The missiles flew 1,500 kilometers before hitting their targets and falling into the country's territorial waters. Pyongyang said the development of the missiles is an effective deterrence against hostile forces. The US military reacted to the tests, saying they posed threats to North Korea’s neighbors and beyond. Japan has also expressed concern over the tests, saying it will continue to work closely with the US and South Korea to monitor the situation. Talks aimed at dismantling Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs in return for US sanctions relief collapsed in 2019.