North Korea Defends ICBM Launch, Rejects Security Council Briefing
UNITED NATIONS, July 13 – In a rare appearance before the United Nations Security Council, North Korea’s U.N. envoy defended the country’s recent launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), stating that it was an exercise of its right to self-defense. The envoy claimed that the missile launch was necessary to deter the “dangerous military moves of hostile forces” and to safeguard North Korea’s security.
The Security Council convened after North Korea announced on Wednesday that it had successfully tested its latest Hwasong-18 ICBM, which it claims is the core of its nuclear strike force.
However, the convening of the Security Council briefing was strongly condemned by North Korea’s U.N. Ambassador Kim Song, who stated, “We categorically reject and condemn the convening of the Security Council briefing by the United States and its followers.”
It is worth noting that North Korea had not spoken at a council meeting regarding its nuclear and ballistic missile programs since December 2017.
North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), has been under U.N. sanctions since 2006 due to its missile and nuclear programs. These sanctions include a ban on the development of ballistic missiles.
The Security Council has been divided in its approach to dealing with North Korea for several years. Russia and China, along with the United States, Britain, and France, have argued that additional sanctions will not be effective and have called for the easing of existing measures.
Both China and Russia have blamed joint military exercises by the United States and South Korea for provoking North Korea. In response, the United States has accused China and Russia of emboldening North Korea by shielding it from further sanctions.
Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Jeffrey DeLaurentis, criticized China and Russia for preventing the council from speaking with one voice. He emphasized that North Korea’s repeated missile launches demonstrate its increasing confidence.
DeLaurentis affirmed the U.S.’ commitment to diplomacy and declared that Washington has urged North Korea, publicly and privately, to engage in dialogue. He also stressed that there are no preconditions for engagement and that the U.S. is willing to discuss any topic of concern to Pyongyang.
China’s U.N. Ambassador Zhang Jun stated that Beijing remains committed to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the resolution of the issue through dialogue. Zhang described the situation as “tense” and “ever more confrontational” and expressed China’s concern over North Korea’s recent missile launch.
Furthermore, Ambassador Zhang criticized a communique by NATO leaders that characterized China as challenging NATO’s interests, security, and values with its ambitions and coercive policies. He labeled the communique as “long-winded” and accused it of perpetuating Cold War mentality and ideological prejudices. Zhang asserted that NATO should engage in some “soul-searching.”
NATO leaders have accused China of posing a threat and challenging the alliance’s interests. In response, China declared that it does not cause trouble but stands ready to respond firmly to any act that violates its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Security Council meeting reflects the ongoing tensions and divisions between major powers regarding North Korea’s actions and the appropriate measures to address them. As the situation continues to evolve, diplomatic efforts and dialogue remain crucial for resolving the conflict peacefully.
Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Mark Porter and Deepa Babington