North Korea: Pyongyang reportedly launches suspected ballistic missile toward Sea of Japan (East Sea) Feb. 18

Event

North Korea reportedly launched a suspected ballistic missile toward the Sea of Japan (East Sea) Feb. 18. No damage or casualties were immediately reported in connection with the projectile launch.

Context

The launch comes days before the start of planned US-South Korean military exercises. A North Korean spokesperson stated Feb. 17 that the country would take "unprecedented" measures in response to the exercise. Additional missile launches remain possible in the coming weeks.

Despite attempts at jumpstarting diplomacy, the geopolitical dynamics on the Korean Peninsula remain largely unaltered, as North Korea has previously stated that it will only give up its nuclear weapons in exchange for concrete moves to reduce perceived US threats against it. North Korean leaders have previously warned of stronger actions in response to the latest US sanctions. However, both sides will likely avoid any actions that could escalate into a full-scale conflict.