Coming as the new coronavirus strain holds the world's attention, North Korea's first projectile firing this year could be seen to underscore its intention to draw the focus of the United States onto Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs.
At a key ruling party meeting in late December, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged to unveil a "new strategic weapon" in the near future. But the nation had shied away from provocative actions since earlier this year amid the outbreak of the pneumonia-causing virus.
As it has spread, first detected in China's central city of Wuhan late last year, North Korea has stepped up efforts to head off the disease, taking measures such as cutting off traffic to and from neighboring countries.