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North Korea has claimed to successfully test a new hypersonic missile system just days before world leaders, including Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, are set to gather in South Korea for the APEC summit.

Getting into it: The test, announced by North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), was described as part of a broader effort to enhance the country’s “strategic deterrence against potential enemies.” According to the report, two missiles were launched from the capital, Pyongyang, and struck targets in North Hamgyong Province. While North Korea did not provide technical specifics, the weapons were characterized as part of a “hypersonic” program that can travel at extremely high speeds and maneuver mid-flight, making them harder to intercept.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the launch, identifying the projectiles as suspected short-range ballistic missiles (not hypersonics) that flew approximately 220 miles before landing inland. The trajectory of the missiles closely matched the distance between Pyongyang and Gyeongju, the APEC summit’s host city, raising concerns that the launch was deliberately timed to send a pointed message.

In response, the United States called the test “unlawful and destabilizing,” adding that the launch was “in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.” The US added that it would remain focused on “maintaining the readiness required to defend the homelands.” South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said its military had “stepped up monitoring in preparation for [the possibility of] additional launches” and was “maintaining a steadfast readiness posture while sharing relevant information with the US and Japan.”

This all comes as speculation grows about whether President Trump will meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his visit to South Korea for the summit. While such a meeting has not been confirmed, officials from both the US and South Korea have discussed the possibility, though Pyongyang has yet to respond publicly. Trump and Kim previously held three high-profile summits during Trump’s presidency, which led to temporary diplomatic breakthroughs but ultimately stalled over disagreements about denuclearization.

Despite some shit talking from Kim Jong Un after Trump returned to office, he recently signaled a potential openness to renewed talks with Trump. In September, he spoke of having “fond memories” of Trump.