North Korean ICBM Test Sparks Strong Condemnation from the US and Japan

After North Korea’s intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch, the United States and Japan issued strong condemnations, while China ignored and offered support.

According to reports from Japan’s NHK, the U.S. and Japan strongly condemned North Korea’s launch of what appeared to be a long-range missile into the East Sea, calling it a provocative act that violated United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. In contrast, China remained silent after meeting with North Korean Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Pak Myong Ho.

In an official statement, the White House declared that North Korea’s recent ballistic missile launch blatantly disregards the United Nations Security Council resolution that forbids the use of ballistic missile technology and any related scientific or technological collaboration. Additionally, Sullivan reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering commitment to defending South Korea and Japan. The statement also added that the three countries, South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, shared missile information and promised a joint response to cooperation between Russia and North Korea.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also convened a National Security Council meeting immediately after the missile launch, warning that it was “not only a clear violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions but also an act threatening the peace and security of neighboring countries” and “this is a serious provocation against Japan.”

On the other hand, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi remained silent about the missile launch during his meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Pak in Beijing. Wang highlighted the enduring bond between China and North Korea. He declared that both countries’ leaders have crafted a valuable shared legacy of friendship. He further noted that under their recent guidance, this bond is stepping into a new era of cooperation and mutual growth.

North Korean Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pak, stated, “Kim Jong Un firmly believes in further enhancing the North Korea-China relationship in line with the aspirations of both leaders and the demands of this new era.” The Asahi Shimbun, a Japanese publication, analyzed that “Minister Wang, by underscoring the friendship between the nations during his meeting with Vice Minister Pak, effectively ignored and supported North Korea’s missile launch.”