North Korea fires a suspected missile toward the sea, Japan says

Seoul, South Korea (AP) — North Korea launched a suspected ballistic missile over the sea on Thursday, according to Japan. This occurred only a day after North Korea dismissed a U.S. decision to reduce military drills with South Korea, signaling an attempt to rekindle diplomatic relations.

The Japanese Prime Minister's office detected the suspected launch but refrained from providing additional information. South Korean media, citing their own military sources, reported that North Korea fired an unidentified projectile from its eastern coastline.

On Wednesday, both South Korean and U.S. militaries announced a reduction in the duration of the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, which had been ongoing for 11 days. This came after U.S. President Donald Trump instructed the Pentagon to "substantially reduce" the exercises, citing improved relations with Kim Jong Un and South Korea's reluctance to support him in the Iran conflict.

Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, rejected Trump's overture, stating it was too minor to be considered in good faith. She argued that the reduced duration and size of the drills would not alter the provocative and aggressive nature of the military activities. Kim also referenced other recent military drills conducted by the U.S. and South Korea, as well as South Korea's efforts to develop nuclear-powered submarines.