North Korea test-fires ballistic missiles in message to US, Biden says no ‘new wrinkle in what they did’

North Korea Thursday launched two suspected ballistic missiles for the first time after Joe Biden was elected the US President. Here, people watch a TV showing a file image of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a news program, Thursday, March 25, 2021, at the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

The missile launch is viewed as a demonstration of North Korea’s military strength by Kim Jong Un to pressure Washington into negotiations that are being stalled after Joe Biden took office in January. North Korea has a history of testing new US administrations with missile launches and other provocations aimed at forcing the Americans back to the negotiating table. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Currently, Washington is reviewing its North Korea policy. The US and South Korea had said on March 24 that North Korea fired short ranges of weapons alleged to be cruise missiles in its western sea on Sunday. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

According to officials, the missiles were believed to have launched from North Korea’s east coast and are landed in the sea outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said the launch poses a threat to the peace and security in the region. He said Japan will discuss the issue with Joe Biden during his visit to Japan next month. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

North Korea had tested a mid-range missile after Donald Trump was elected the US President in February 2017. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)