The U.S., Japan and South Korea announced plans earlier this month to establish a robust mechanism for sharing real-time data on North Korean missiles, as the three countries aim to fortify their collective response to DPRK threats.

But while the mechanism enhances their ability to deal with North Korean launches, it simultaneously risks inflaming diplomatic relations with China.

Beijing views heightened cooperation among the three countries with suspicion, considering it a potential threat to its national security. And as Taiwan emerges as a flash point in U.S.-China tensions, it’s becoming increasingly clear that South Korea likely needs to prepare for