Early Monday, March 18, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Seoul attending a democracy conference, North Korea resumed its missile testing after two months by launching several short-range ballistic missiles into its eastern seas. This move follows closely on the heels of a joint 11-day military drill between South Korea and the U.S., which Pyongyang has repeatedly condemned as a rehearsal for invasion.

The State Department has reaffirmed the U.S.’ unwavering commitment to the defense of South Korea and Japan, describing it as “ironclad.” This assurance comes as the U.S. maintains a significant military presence in the Asia-Pacific region, with 80,000 troops stationed in South Korea and Japan.

In a show of military readiness, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently oversaw a series of training exercises, including the use of tanks, artillery, and paratroopers, emphasizing the need for enhanced warfighting capabilities. This was in response to the South Korea-U.S. military drills, which concluded on Thursday, March 14.

Officials from Japan and South Korea reported that the North fired three missiles, which traveled nearly 200 miles before landing off the east coast. These missile tests have been denounced as violations of U.N. Security Council resolutions, with South Korea’s military describing them as a “clear provocation” and reaffirming its strong alliance and vigilance alongside the U.S.

Experts suggest that North Korea is expanding its weapons arsenal to strengthen its negotiating position with the United States. The goal, they believe, is to secure significant relief from sanctions without giving up its nuclear capabilities.

The missile launches have drawn sharp criticism from the U.S., Japan, and South Korea, highlighting them as threats to the peace and security of neighboring nations and the broader region.