Accra:Seoul North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may be challenging U.S. President Donald Trump's tolerance for military provocations, as a recent analysis from a U.S. think tank indicates an increase in Pyongyang's missile launch activities during Trump's second term.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the analysis by Victor Cha and Andy Lim of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) suggests that Kim Jong-un might be attempting to assess Washington's response to his expanding weapons activities, despite Trump's repeated attempts to renew dialogue. The analysts propose that Kim could be testing Trump's personal limits on military provocations, which include no intercontinental ballistic missile tests, no nuclear tests, and no lethal attacks.

The study highlights that North Korea has conducted 34 missile launch events in the first 21 months of Trump's second term, which is double the 17 recorded during the same period of his first term. Additionally, since Trump resumed office in January 2025, Pyongyang has launched at least 93 missiles, surpassing the total number launched throughout his entire first four-year presidency.

The researchers also pointed out North Korea's expanding weapons programs, including testing new hypersonic missiles, conducting a ground test of a high-thrust solid-fuel missile engine, and launching cruise and anti-ship missiles from its new Choe Hyon destroyer. They noted other possible motives for Kim's actions, such as testing weapons under a new five-year military development plan or positioning himself ahead of a potential summit with Trump in China next month.

The analysis concludes that Trump's return to the White House and efforts for summit diplomacy have not necessarily resulted in the restraint and respect the president anticipated. Despite this, Trump has shown continued interest in engaging with Kim, citing their "good" personal relationship and the possibility of a meeting during his upcoming visit to China.