North Korea test-fires ballistic missiles in message to US

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at a ceremony in Pyongyang on Tuesday. His country’s latest missile tests are seen as a move to increase pressure on the US over stalled nuclear negotiations (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service/AP)

North Korea test-fired its first ballistic missiles since President Joe Biden took office on Thursday as it boosts its military and increases pressure on Washington over stalled nuclear negotiations.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said the launches threaten “peace and safety in Japan and the region” and that Tokyo would closely coordinate with Washington and Seoul about the North’s testing activities.