North Korea: Military launches unidentified projectile toward East Sea early Jan. 5

Event

North Korea reportedly fired an unidentified projectile toward the East Sea (Sea of Japan) early Jan. 5. No damage, casualties, or transport disruptions were immediately reported in connection with the incident.

Context

The latest projectile firing is unlikely to increase tensions significantly. Despite attempts at jumpstarting diplomacy, the fundamental dynamics of the standoff on the Korean Peninsula remain largely unaltered, as North Korea has previously stated it will only give up its nuclear weapons in exchange for concrete moves to reduce perceived US threats against it. Both sides are highly likely to avoid any actions that could escalate into a full-scale conflict.