In its latest round of ballistic missile tests, North Korea launched what is believed to be its longest range missile to date based on data collected by Japanese and other intelligence agencies, the Associated Press reports.
The missile traveled more than 800 kilometers, suggesting to Japanese observers that the missile was the most powerful weapon the North Koreans have tested since a missile test in 2017 that concerned authorities that the country could reach the West Coast of the United States.
“North Korea is launching a frenzy of missiles before the start of the Beijing Olympics, mostly as military modernization efforts. Pyongyang also wants to boost national pride as it gears up to celebrate political anniversaries in the context of economic struggles,” said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul.