A photo released by the official North Korean Central News Agency missile test firing launched from a train on 14 January, 2022From hypersonic to cruise missiles, North Korea started 2022 with its most intensive spate of weapons testing in years, but analysts said the barrage is more domestic political ploy than a diplomatic gambit.
"Missiles and weapon developments are probably the only things Kim Jong-un can confidently display as achievements," said defector-turned-researcher Ahn Chan-il.World leaders voice concern after second North Korean missile launch in a week "For such important anniversaries, North Korea likes to hold a military parade to show off their new weapons," he said.
The last time North Korea tested this many weapons in a month was in 2019, after high-profile negotiations collapsed between Mr Kim and Mr Trump.With reports of soaring food prices and worsening hunger, an economically-reeling Pyongyang earlier this month restarted cross-border trade with neighbouring China.
"To the extent the North Koreans have missiles to test for improving military capabilities and sending signals before South Korea's presidential election on 9 March, they should probably do so before the Beijing Olympics opening ceremonies on 4 February," Mr Easley added.But it's unlikely that the recent string of launches are directly aimed at goading the administration of US President Joe Biden into talks, he said.
They still have a long way to catch up:
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