New Delhi (India) March 14:On Saturday, North Korea launched a projectile into the sea, according to statements from both South Korea and Japan. Tokyo suggested that it might have been a ballistic missile, coinciding with military exercises being conducted by the United States and South Korea. Japan’s coast guard noted that the projectile appeared to have fallen into the sea. The South Korean military briefly informed journalists that the projectile was aimed at the waters off North Korea’s east coast but did not provide additional details.

North Korea's Long History of Missile Tests

North Korea often expresses its displeasure with such military drills, labeling them as “dress rehearsals” for potential attacks by its allies. Over the past two decades, the country has consistently test-launched various ballistic and cruise missiles, working towards developing a system that can deliver nuclear weapons, which it claims to possess.

Projectile Splashes Down Outside Japan's EEZ

According to Japan's public broadcaster NHK, the projectile landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). In light of this launch, the Japanese Coast Guard issued an urgent advisory, urging vessels in the area to stay alert for further updates. Officials from Japan’s defense ministry have indicated that the immediate threat to Japan has diminished since the projectile fell into waters outside the EEZ.

Japan Forms Emergency Response Team

In response to the escalating situation, the Japanese government has assembled an emergency response team, including officials from various relevant departments and agencies within the crisis management center at the Prime Minister’s office. This latest incident follows a series of military demonstrations by North Korea earlier this year, including the firing of two ballistic missiles over the Sea of Japan on January 27, which also fell outside Japan's EEZ. 

SK-US Talks Aim to Revive Dialogue

Meanwhile, South Korea's Prime Minister met with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Thursday to discuss ways to revive dialogue with North Korea, which has been stalled since 2019.
Hundreds of U.S. and South Korean troops participated in river-crossing drills, showcasing their military hardware, including tanks and armored vehicles, under the command of their combined forces. There are nearly 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea, along with squadrons of fighter jets.