SEOUL, South Korea — A rocket launched by North Korea to deploy the country’s second spy satellite exploded shortly after liftoff on Monday, state media reported, marking a significant setback for leader Kim Jong Un’s aspirations to field satellites capable of monitoring the U.S. and South Korea.

The failed launch occurred hours after leaders of South Korea, China, and Japan met in Seoul for their first trilateral meeting in over four years. It is highly unusual for North Korea to engage in provocative actions while China, its primary ally and economic lifeline, participates in high-level regional diplomacy.

The launch drew immediate rebukes from North Korea’s neighbors because the United Nations bans the country from conducting such launches, viewing them as covert tests of long-range missile technology. The North’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) stated that the spy satellite was launched aboard a new rocket from its main northwestern space center. However, the rocket exploded during the first-stage flight due to a suspected engine problem.

KCNA cited an unidentified vice director of the National Aerospace Technology Administration, who stated that a preliminary examination suggested the explosion was related to the reliability of operation of the newly developed liquid oxygen-petroleum engine. The official added that other potential causes would be investigated.

In response to the launch, Japan’s government briefly issued a missile warning for the southern prefecture of Okinawa, advising residents to take shelter. The warning was lifted later as the region was deemed no longer in danger, according to Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi.

Earlier on Monday, North Korea had notified Japan’s coast guard about its planned launch, warning to exercise caution in the waters between the Korean Peninsula and China and east of the main Philippine island of Luzon during the launch window from Monday through June 3. North Korea has consistently asserted its right to launch satellites and test missiles.

Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara described the launch as “a serious challenge to the entire world,” while South Korea’s Unification Ministry called it “a provocation that seriously threatens our and regional security.” During the trilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol called for stern international action if North Korea proceeded with its launch plan. Kishida urged North Korea to withdraw its launch plan, although Li did not specifically mention the launch in his comments, instead offering general remarks about promoting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Some observers believe that North Korea’s decision to launch the satellite on the first day of its eight-day window was intended to cast a shadow over the Seoul-Beijing-Tokyo meeting and express displeasure with China. Kim Jong Un has embraced the idea of a “new Cold War” and seeks to strengthen ties with Beijing and Moscow to forge a united front against Washington. China’s diplomacy with Seoul and Tokyo might have been unsettling for Pyongyang.

Kim’s recent focus has been on Russia, as North Korea and Russia — both in confrontations with Washington — expand their military cooperation. China, which is more sensitive about its international reputation, has joined Russia in blocking U.S.-led efforts at the U.N. Security Council to tighten sanctions on North Korea but has been less overt in supporting Kim’s “new Cold War” agenda.

North Korea’s Foreign Ministry on Monday strongly criticized a joint statement issued by Li, Yoon, and Kishida, calling it “wanton interference in its internal affairs.” The ministry took issue with the parts of the joint statement that re-emphasized the leaders' positions on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Although North Korea directed most of its criticism at South Korea, it is rare for the country to criticize a statement involving China.

The failed satellite launch is a significant blow to Kim’s plan to deploy three more military spy satellites in 2024, in addition to the country’s first military reconnaissance satellite placed in orbit last November. The November launch followed two failed attempts, highlighting the challenges North Korea faces in advancing its space and missile programs.

As the international community continues to monitor these developments, the failed launch underscores the volatile security situation in the region and the ongoing challenges posed by North Korea’s provocative actions. The response from neighboring countries and the broader international community will be critical in shaping the next steps in addressing North Korea’s ambitions and ensuring regional stability.

The implications of North Korea’s actions extend beyond immediate regional tensions. The technological advancements and potential military applications of satellite launches are a growing concern for the international community. Kim Jong Un’s persistent efforts to enhance North Korea’s surveillance capabilities and missile technology highlight the need for a coordinated global response to deter further escalation. Diplomatic engagement, coupled with stringent sanctions and international pressure, will be pivotal in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by North Korea’s ambitions.

In addition, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the precarious balance of power in the region. The trilateral meeting between South Korea, China, and Japan underscores the importance of regional cooperation in addressing common security threats. Strengthening alliances and fostering dialogue among neighboring countries are crucial steps toward maintaining stability and preventing the further deterioration of the security environment in East Asia.

As the world watches the unfolding developments, the resilience and diplomatic acumen of regional and global leaders will be tested. The path forward requires a delicate balance of firmness and diplomacy, with a focus on de-escalation and the pursuit of long-term peace and security in the region.