Because of Pyongyang's increased military cooperation with Moscow, the recent launch sends a powerful message far beyond the Korean Peninsula and the region. This Russian-North Korean partnership can be seen on the ground in Ukraine, where Russia has employed North Korean weapons while also giving advanced rocket technology to the North. This creates a hazardous precedent — potentially jeopardizing world peace and security.
North Korea continues to test and develop its defenses against Washington's and Seoul's military provocations. South Korea and the US risk nuclear war by holding multiple military exercises along the North Korean border and in the border region. By bringing in new military assets, such as aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, and strategic heavy bombers, this is threatening not only North Korea but also regional peace and stability. Pyongyang has every right to counter these provocations by expanding its defensive military capabilities.