Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- March 25, 2021

This files screen grab image taken from North Korean broadcaster KCTV in 2019 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un watching the launch of a ballistic missile at an unknown location. Photo: AFP / Handout / KCTV

Andrew Salmon, Asia Times: Kim Jong Un aims his missiles at Biden

Ballistic missile test aims to pressure new US administration as it rallies allies and prepares to announce a North Korea policy review

SEOUL – The great game between North Korea and the United States is heating up.

North Korea test-fired a brace of ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan on Thursday morning (March 25), ratcheting up tensions as diplomatic activities surrounding the Korean Peninsula gather pace.

According to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, two missiles were launched at 07:06 and 07:25 on Thursday morning from North Korea’s east coast.

The projectiles flew 450 kilometers and reached an altitude of 60-km before splashing down, a range and height characteristic of ballistic missiles.

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Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- March 25, 2021

EXPLAINER: What N Korean missile tests mean for US relations -- Hyung-Jin Kim, AP

How to Read the Nuances of North Korea’s Latest Missile Flex -- Daniel R. DePetris, National Interest

The North Korean-Syrian Partnership: Bright Prospects Ahead -- Samuel Ramani, 38 North

Russia, China and the United States: First Shots -- George Friedman, Geopoltiical Futures

Hong Kong Is Just a Starting Point for China -- Weifeng Zhong, The Dispatch

Myanmar’s Junta Stumbles as It Tries to Follow Thailand’s Playbook -- Joshua Kurlantzick, WPR

Analysis: As Iran toughens stance, hopes for nuclear thaw before June diminish -- John Irish, Parisa Hafezi, Arshad Mohammed, Reuters

Israel-Iran conflict threatens new nuclear deal -- Jonathan Gorvett, Asia Times