[Global Insight] Why now? North Korea fires first projectile test of the year amid global ...

Why now? North Korea fires first projectile test of the year amid global coronavirus outbreak

On Monday,.. North Korea launched two short-range projectiles off its east coast.
It was the regime's first weapons test of the year,... and a return to its provocative stance after three months of relative calm.
Why now is the question as countries around the world grapple with the spread of the novel coronavirus.
To help us break down the issue, we have Dr. Mark P. Barry,... independent analyst in New York who has been following North Korea issues for the past three decades.
We also have Dr. Ramon Pachedo Pardo,... Reader in International Relations at King's College London
Now, Dr. Barry, let's start with your reaction. Did the timing of this test surprise you?

What about you, Dr. Pachedo Pardo do you think officials in Washington were surprised?

The test comes about a year after Kim Jong-un's talks broke down in his second summit with U.S. President Donald Trump. Anything significant there?

Now,... the North Korean leader also said in December of last year that he will no longer will hold off testing nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missiles,... after the U.S. failed to make concessions to return to dialogue. As usual, the firing seems to be a cry for attention. What does the North want at this time?


Kim Jong-un also said in December that world will see a new strategic weapon in the near future. Does the latest launch indicate progress in that regard?

How do you think Presidents Trump, Xi and other regional players in the denuclearization process will react?

How should South Korea's top office and President Moon Jae-in specifically handle this sudden outburst from the North?

#NorthKorea #missiles #coronavirus

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