The KCNA news agency announced portly Kim himself ordered researchers to make “preparations for launching the satellite as soon as possible on the basis of the successful test” – fuelling speculation the North is about to launch another long-range missile.
Advertisement
North Korea says it has successfully carried out a ground test of a new engine for space launch vehicle in a possible indication the country might conduct a prohibited long-range rocket launch soon.
KCNA said the engine would give the country “sufficient carrier capability for launching various kinds of satellites, including Earth observation satellite at a world level”.
North Korea has been carrying out tests of nuclear arms and missiles at an unprecedented pace this year.
The U.N. Security Council imposed additional sanctions on North Korea in March because of the rocket launch and its fourth nuclear test at the beginning of this year.
The date of the test wasn’t given but North Korean state media typically report on Kim’s activities the following day.
US Secretary of State John Kerry, South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se, and Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida set to meet at the UN General Assembly in NY this week to discuss unified sanctions on North Korea’s recent nuclear test.
North Korea has conducted a total of five nuclear tests – in 2006, 2009, 2013 and twice in 2016.
The White House said the two leaders condemned North Korea’s nuclear test on September 9 and “resolved to strengthen coordination” to halt Pyongyang’s nuclear work.
“Rather, it presupposes that North Korea’s most recent provocations may bring Beijing to recalculate the costs of its inaction”.
A proven submarine-launched ballistic missile system would allow deployment far beyond the Korean peninsula and a “second-strike” capability in the event of an attack on the North’s military bases.
In response to a question about Chinese companies trading with North Korea, Mr. Lu said Beijing is meeting its obligations under the United Nations resolution this year that limited business activities with North Korea. The leader said the goal is for Pyongyang to have a geostationary satellite in orbit in a couple of years, the news report said.
The engine is likely to be used for long-range missiles, South Korean Defense Ministry spokesman Moon Sang-gyun told reporters in Seoul on Tuesday.
Advertisement
A Chinese firm that describes itself as a “golden bridge for connecting North Korea and the world” is at the center of a USA and China probe.
