The Security Council, which has 15 members that include the United States, China and Russian Federation, said even though North Korea characterized the rocket test as a satellite launch, it was clearly an effort to develop a ballistic missile and violated four U.N. resolutions dating to 2006.
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Both CNN and CBS cited unidentified US defense officials as saying that the “Kwangmyongsong-4” satellite is “tumbling in orbit”, meaning that the purported Earth observation satellite is not working properly.
The MPs were also reportedly told North Korea had the technology for intercontinental ballistic missiles and was preparing a fifth nuclear test.
North Korea will stop at nothing in order to stamp their mark in outer space, but their latest rocket launch drew criticism after it was thought to be a program that will eventually lead to a long-range missile launch.
Seoul and Washington are conducting a joint investigation into the matter – including an analysis of parts of the fairing debris that was retrieved near South Korea’s Jeju Island – but the ministry says it will take some time for the results to come out.
The Pentagon said Monday that talks with South Korea to discuss the possibility of moving a terminal high-altitude area defense, or THAAD system, would begin in days.
“The bilateral discussions that will occur underscore the ironclad commitment of the United States to defend the Republic of Korea”, Cook said.
Answering a question on whether China expressed concerns over the THAAD system, Cook said: “I’m not aware of any direct communication we’ve received from the Chinese here at the Department of Defense”.
The three leaders agreed to rapidly adopt new UN Security Council resolutions against Pyongyang, involving strong and effective measures, sharing another view that the DPRK should pay a harsh price corresponding to its repeated provocations of significance. They also confirmed the missile has already entered space, stationing new worries that it could be an actual ballistic technology test in the making.
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Wary of creating a refugee crisis should Kim’s regime collapse, China has been unwilling to implement sanctions that would really put a choke on North Korea’s economy. China is North Korea’s only real ally, and has customarily used its diplomatic sway to shield North Korea from punishment.
