In another provocative move, North Korea has fired a ballistic missile into the sea off its east coast, according to reports from South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff and Japan's Defence Ministry.

This latest launch comes amidst escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula, as South Korea and the United States take steps to bolster their military preparation against North Korea's weapons program by deploying U.S. strategic military assets.

North Korea has strongly condemned this deployment, stating that it could potentially trigger the use of its own nuclear weapons. This recent missile launch follows a series of ballistic missile tests conducted by North Korea last week, coinciding with the arrival of a U.S. nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine at a South Korean port for the first time since the 1980s.

In addition, a nuclear-powered U.S. submarine arrived in South Korea just yesterday. Over the weekend, North Korea fired a barrage of cruise missiles into the sea off its west coast, adding to the growing concern over its aggressive military actions.

These developments are happening as North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, continues to emphasize the importance of advancing the country's weapons development, including the pursuit of tactical nuclear weapons.

The relationship between North and South Korea is currently strained, with diplomacy at a standstill and tensions at one of the lowest points in history. In response, Seoul and Washington have conducted joint military exercises involving advanced stealth jets and U.S. strategic assets.

This missile launch also takes place ahead of celebrations in North Korea marking the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War. Coinciding with the launch, a Chinese delegation is set to visit North Korea, marking the first known visit by a foreign delegation since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The situation on the Korean peninsula remains highly volatile, with each side taking steps to assert its military capabilities. The international community closely monitors these developments and hopes for a de-escalation of tensions in the region.