North Korean leader Kim Jong Un responded to U.S. President Donald Trump by launching approximately 10 short-range ballistic missiles simultaneously from the Pyongyang area. All of these missiles traveled around 300 kilometers through the air and fell into the Sea of Japan/East Sea, outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Firing 10 ballistic missiles at once is not merely a military exercise by North Korea; it is a message rejecting Trump's concessions and bargaining regarding the U.S.–South Korea military drills.
Testing 10 ballistic missiles (600mm KN-25 launchers) at the same time demonstrates that North Korea possesses the capability to neutralize the adversary's missile defense systems (such as THAAD or Patriot) through a high-volume saturation strike.
Despite Donald Trump's order to reduce the duration of the U.S.–South Korea joint military exercise/Ulchi Freedom Shield from 11 days to 5 days, North Korea conducted this test because its primary goal is no longer obtaining sanction relief. It is forcing the U.S. and the world to accept it as a 'permanent nuclear power.' The U.S. can no longer appease North Korea with minor adjustments alone. Now, any negotiations will take place strictly on equal terms.
North Korea no longer fears being isolated. Thanks to the military-technical cooperation received in exchange for supplying weapons to Russia, along with China's support, Pyongyang is now in a position to exert immense pressure on the United States.
