It does not matter whether it was meant as a provocation, a test, or simply a call for attention. It may have been any of those, or all.

The test-firing of the Pukguksong-2 intermediate-range ballistic missile on Sunday, which was in no way conducive to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's pursuit of the international recognition and respect it covets, was a timely reminder of an outstanding security challenge the Donald Trump presidency faces.

It might have been an invitation for direct interaction with the United States. But there is no sign that will happen.