On Saturday North Korean authorities reported successful sea-to-surface strategic cruise missile testing while conducting their second weapons demonstration of the year. According to North Korean statements the military exercises between the United States and South Korea led them to vow they would take the most forceful countermeasures.
KCNA reported missile flight data showing they traversed 1,500 kilometers in precise trajectories to strike targets accurately but no independent verification has occurred. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un conducted the tests while he stated his country embraced both perfect war deterrence capabilities and military power development.
Under authorization from the Joint Chiefs of Staff in South Korea several cruise missiles were launched toward western coastal waters while the military unit asserted their readiness to respond to future provocations assisted by U.S. forces. 
The North Korean Foreign Ministry expressed dissatisfaction through language condemning “serious military provocations” by the United States during South Korean military drills since they necessitate countermeasures. Securing diplomatic support from Washington and Seoul claims that military drills represent defensive operations but Pyongyang will always see these maneuvers as preparation for invasion.
US President Donald Trump shared positive words about North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as his administration entered its second term while expressing plans to start genuine discussions with the young dictator. External observers believe Kim Jong Un gained confidence from North Korea’s strengthened nuclear forces together with Russia’s growing alliances.
During previous meetings Trump and Kim failed to make progress because of their differing positions on sanctions while opposing each other on denuclearization. Military exercises between South Korea and the U.S. may be reduced by Trump according to experts who predict he will concentrate on long-range missile capabilities while keeping North Korea’s local nuclear menace.
The recent North Korean missile test further exacerbates increasing political pressures experienced by both the United States and South Korea because of North Korean military advances.
