North Korea launched an unidentified ballistic missile into the East Sea on the 14th. This provocation occurred eight days after the launch of a hypersonic medium-range ballistic missile on the 6th. North Korea has claimed successful test-firing of hypersonic missiles and is demonstrating its missile capabilities. This provocation is interpreted as an attempt by North Korea to assert its presence on the international stage ahead of the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Trump.
