South Korea’s decision to increase the range of its ballistic missiles could easily be interpreted as a move to forestall a North Korean attack. But a more accurate assessment would take into account many changes in East Asia, including worry over an arms buildup underway in China and Japan, as well as saber-rattling from the north. For Seoul, the missiles are not just about defense but about keeping up with the technological advancements of other militaries in the region so as not to be perceived as the region’s “weak sister.”

Tensions have flared up between South Korea and Japan over the Dokdo/Takeshima Islands and suspicions also simmer between South Korea and China over territorial claims. An article in South Korea’s Chosun Ilbo newspaper captured the nation’s anxiety, citing a “frantic arms buildup” in the region and affirming South Korea’s need to advance its ballistic missile program order to maintain military parity.