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

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea launched a suspected missile over the ocean on Thursday, according to Japan, following a day where North Korea appeared to disregard a U.S. decision to reduce military drills with South Korea in an effort to resume talks. The Japanese government's prime minister office reported detecting the suspected launch without providing further specifics.

South Korean media, based on information from their military, indicated that North Korea had fired an unidentified projectile from the country's eastern coastline. On the previous day, both South Korean and U.S. militaries announced a reduction in the 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises. President Donald Trump authorized the Pentagon to "substantially decrease" these drills shortly before they commenced on Monday.

The decision was made due to what Trump claimed was a positive relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korea's unwillingness to support him regarding the conflict in Iran. Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, dismissed Trump's invitation earlier in the day, stating that it was not worthy of any response.

She argued that the reduced duration and size of the drills would not alter their provocative and aggressive nature, and warned that the U.S. would not receive a favorable reaction if they perceived this move as an act of good faith. Kim Yo Jong also mentioned other military drills conducted by the U.S. and South Korea this year and South Korea's pursuit of developing nuclear-powered submarines.

Despite her stern response, Kim Yo Jong did not resort to the typical North Korean tactic of hostile rhetoric, stating that her brother's relationship with Trump remained "excellent." This suggests that North Korea might be considering waiting for more substantial concessions from Trump before reinitiating diplomatic talks. Trump had previously claimed that Kim Jong Un had responded positively to his invitation for a conversation.

When reporters asked if he planned to meet with Kim Jong Un in the current year, Trump responded affirmatively but did not clarify whether they were exchanging letters or whether they had an ongoing dialogue.