North Korean media has announced a successful test of a “newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon” that, while it is apparently not related to its nuclear program, could impact ongoing negotiations between the U.S., South Korea, North Korea, and other involved countries. North Korea has complained about continued South Korea-U.S. military drills, and the test, likely of a new long-range artillery piece, with its accompanying announcement could have been conducted as a response. The test is the first since last November, and lacked the level of anti-American rhetoric that accompanied previous tests. The test may not have significant political implications within negotiations, but did touch off a media storm that has since been accused of overstating the importance of the test, which was likely a routine military test misinterpreted as deception and aggression.
Source: North Korea says it has tested ‘ultramodern tactical weapon’
