Pyongyang. North Korea has once again raised concerns about regional security by firing a suspicious ballistic projectile on Saturday. This launch came at a time when Kim Jong Un had monitored the cruise projectile test from his new warship just a few days ago. This step is being considered an important development amid increasing military tension in the Asia-Pacific region. According to the Japanese Coast Guard, the suspected ballistic projectile fired fell into the sea. Japan’s public broadcaster quoted an unnamed Defense Ministry official as saying that the projectile fell in the maritime zone outside the country’s exclusive economic zone.
This projectile test took place at a time when the annual joint military exercise is going on between the US and South Korea from March 9 to March 19. North Korea has long opposed these exercises and calls them preparation for war against itself. Recently Pyongyang had demanded America to recognize it as a nuclear power country. This demand was raised during the congress of the ruling Workers’ Party, held for the first time in five years, in which the country’s security and nuclear policy were also discussed.
North Korea has also strongly criticized the recent US attack on Iran. Pyongyang condemned this action internationally, calling it a shameless move by America.