The associated press has reported North Korea fired a “ballistic missile into the sea on Sunday, its neighbors said, in a resumption of weapons tests that came as the United States and its allies are focused on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.” The missile testing was the “eighth of its kind this year.” Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi “said the North Korean missile flew about 300 kilometers (190 miles) at a maximum altitude of about 600 kilometers (370 miles) before landing off North Korea’s eastern coast and outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.”

The decision to launch this missile by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea,) created enormous friction between neighboring countries. South Korean officials expressed “deep concern,” while Japan’s Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi stated that such an act was “unforgivable” considering the circumstances of war between Russia and Ukraine.

Kim Jong Un is no stranger to provocative actions, as he reached a record amount missile tests in a single month in January 2022. The Supreme Leader of North Korea may find solace in Chinese and Russian relations as he seeks to consolidate his power within the region, but it will not be done without drawing ire from countries who wish to pursue peace.