North Korea is again throwing tantrums, testing its short-range missiles in recent weeks. The tests came as peace talks stall and announced after the decision by the United States and South Korea to resume joint-military exercises. North Korea has even mentioned that Kim Jong Un himself would push the launch button.

The resumption of missile testing may be worrisome, but it does not surprise us. The world has seen North Korea behave like this before. The recent provocative demonstrations were an apparent message to the US and the rest of the world to cave in to Mr. Kim’s demand to lift economic sanctions on his country. Clearly, this is blackmail, and the world should hold steady and firm. If at all, the world should step up the pressure on North Korea.