“More analysis is needed, but given that North Korea fired short-range ballistic missiles, this would not cross the U.S. red line and could be seen as mounting a protest against the combined exercises [between US and South Korea]. In addition, it may have been intended to urge the U.S. to concede more for their nuclear negotiations. As the military provocation could pave the way for the Chinese foreign minister to represent North Korea's position on halting the joint exercises and removing challenges against the country, this may have affected the North Korean regime's decision on the timing of the missile firings.”

by: Hong Min