No ‘fire and fury’ yet, but a game of nuclear brinkmanship with North Korea looms

Analysis: Kim Jong-un's pressure on Joe Biden has so far elicited only fresh sanctions. Pyongyang has now signalled it may resume nuclear and ICBM tests

North Korea has already conducted four test launches of ballistic missiles this year, but they could be a mere precursor to more serious provocations, as Kim Jong-un's regime attempts to break the nuclear stalemate with the US.

Superficially, the recent tests were a reminder of the North's ability to manufacture more sophisticated weapons - perhaps including those capable of evading missile defences - despite years of international sanctions.