It urged all United Nations member states “to redouble their efforts” to implement sanctions against Pyongyang, including the toughest measures in two decades imposed by the council in March.
Advertisement
The regime of Kim Jong-un has also felt increasingly vulnerable after USA nuclear armed B-2 and B-52 bombers have patrolled the region providing North Korea with the stark reality of the consequences of a misstep.
The security council said the continued development of long-range missiles contributes to North Korea’s development of a nuclear weapons system that destabilizes the region and inflames tensions on the Korean peninsula and northeast Asia.
Those sanctions reflected growing anger at Pyongyang’snuclear test in January and a subsequent rocket launch.
North Korea threatens to fire U.S., S Korea troops’ light.
North Korea is barred under United Nations resolutions from any use of ballistic missile technology, but has carried out several launches following its fourth nuclear test in January.
South Korean officials said the submarine-launchedmissile flew about 500 kilometers, the longest distanceachieved by the North for such a weapon.
The latest launch followed another SLBM launch on July 9, and ballistic missile tests on July 19 and August 3.
The 15-member council issued the toughly-worded condemnation in a unanimous statement drafted by the United States and backed by China, Pyongyang’s main ally.
The flight distance, which was tracked by South Korea’s military Joint Chiefs of Staff, far exceeded any previous SLBM tests, suggesting significant progress in technical prowess.
The council’s agreement on Friday’s statement, just twodays after the latest North Korean test, reflects growinganger and concern at the North’s continuing defiance of thecouncil, including by China.
North Korea already has a variety of land-based missiles that can hit South Korea and Japan, including US military bases in those countries.
“The best way for the U.S.to escape a deadly strike from us is by refraining from insulting our dignity and threatening our security, by exercising prudence and self-control”, Jon said.
The Council’s members further regretted that North Korea is diverting resources to the pursuit of ballistic missiles while the country’s citizens have great unmet needs.
Advertisement
North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un on Thursday described the latest SLBM test as the “greatest success” and said it put the USA mainland and the Pacific within striking range.
