What next?

Washington and South Korea agreed this week to speed up work on a defence system designed to shoot down North Korean missiles. The installation of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (Thaad) system began last month, despite Beijing’s protests.

Presidential elections in South Korea next month offer some hope of a peaceful settlement, given the likely victory of liberal candidate Moon Jae-in, who favours a policy of conciliation. The reopening of the jointly run Kaesong industrial complex on the border is seen as a possible peace move.