North Korea: Military reportedly launches ballistic missile off its eastern coast early March 16

Event

North Korea fired a ballistic missile off its eastern coast into the Sea of Japan (East Sea) on the morning of March 16, according to reports from the South Korean military. No damage or casualties were reported in connection with the test.

Context

The March 16 missile launch comes amid the ongoing joint US-South Korean military exercises named "Freedom Shield." Pyongyang has denounced the military drills as "preparations for a war of aggression" against its forces. Additional missile launches remain possible in the coming weeks. The launch also comes just ahead of the summit with South Korea and Japan, which is expected to take place March 16.

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 US sanctions. However, both sides will likely avoid any actions that could escalate into a full-scale conflict.