The Democratic People's Republic of Korea conducted another hypersonic missile test on Tuesday, its second major weapons test this year, state media reported. The head of the DPRK Kim Jong-un attended the launch of the missile.
State media said the missile fired on Tuesday had successfully made a turn before hitting its target in the sea some 1,000km (621 miles) away.
It marks North Korea's third reported test of a hypersonic missile, which can avoid detection for longer than ballistic missiles.
It is noted that the purpose of the tests was to "confirm the technical characteristics of the developed missile". Mr. Kim's presence could indicate the technology was indeed improved, say analysts.
The latest ramp-up in testing would appear to support Mr. Kim's stated New Years' goals, where he vowed to bolster North Korea's defense capabilities.
It came as six countries - including the US - issued a joint statement condemning last week's apparent test. urging the North to cease its "destabilizing actions" to the region.
This is the second DPRK missile test since the beginning of the year. Both launches of hypersonic missiles were condemned in the European Union and in the United States, noting that they violate numerous UN Security Council resolutions and pose a threat to neighboring countries.