North Korea has fired several rounds of short-range ballistic missiles into waters east of the Korean Peninsula. On Thursday, this was reported a little more than a week after North Korea marked a key state anniversary. The projectiles were launched from Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, before falling into the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan after flying about 360 kilometers, or roughly 220 miles.

Impact And Reactions

The firings are a ‘provocative act’ that intensely threatens regional peace, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. The South Korean military is watching the situation very carefully and sharing information with U.S. and Japanese authorities. But there was no immediate word on damage or casualties from the increased tension. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida instructed officials to ensure the safety of ships and planes in areas where the projectiles landed.

Historical Background And Recent Developments

The recent missile tests were the first public weapons firing activities of North Korea in over two months. On July 1, North Korea announced that it had tested a new tactical weapon capable of carrying a ‘super-large’ 4.5-ton warhead. For now, the timing of the launches comes as North Korea often conducts missile tests around its foundation day on September 9, including a fifth nuclear test in 2016 and a sixth in 2017.

In a speech marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of North Korea, the country’s leader Kim Jong Un made it clear that the country wants to develop its nuclear arsenal. According to Kim, North Korea would further strengthen its nuclear capabilities against any threat from hostile states.

Rise In Tensions With South Korea

Relations between North and South Korea are at one of their lowest points in years. North Korea has been deploying missile launchers along its southern border and has launched hundreds of trash-filled balloons into South Korea. The North has sent more than 5,000 since May in retaliation for South Korean propaganda balloons.

In retaliation, South Korea froze a military accord with Pyongyang aimed at reducing tension and resumed loudspeaker propaganda broadcasts along the border. The North has also recently bolstered military ties with Russia, raising concerns over possible missile and artillery support to Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine. The US and South Korea recently accused North Korea of providing Russia with missile, which Pyongyang branded ‘absurd.’

Future Outlook

North Korea’s recent missile launch follows joint military drills between South Korea and the United States. It has seen such activities as rehearsals for an invasion, and many times they have always been a source of tension between both nations. The ballistic missile test of the North comes amid disputes that had constant threats of the closure of agencies created to work for reunion and even threats against minor territorial infringements.