North Korea launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile early Sunday, despite calls to reign in their weapons program. The missile landed in the sea between North Korea and Japan.
The missile test comes days after the election of President Moon Jae-in in South Korea, who took office on Wednesday. Mr. Moon said North Korea’s missile launch test was a “deeply regrettable” move.
White House press secretary Sean Spicer released a statement saying:
“With the missile impacting so close to Russian soil – in fact, closer to Russia than to Japan – the President cannot imagine that Russia is pleased. North Korea has been a flagrant menace for far too long. South Korea and Japan have been watching this situation closely with us. The United States maintains our ironclad commitment to stand with our allies in the face of the serious threat posed by North Korea. Let this latest provocation serve as a call for all nations to implement far stronger sanctions against North Korea.”
This missile test comes after numerous North Korean missile launches this year that have led to escalating tensions. Kim Jong-un has said his country has reached a “final stage” in preparing to conduct its first test of an intercontinental ballistic missile.
The Trump administration has changed their policy on dealing with North Korea, saying, “the policy of strategic patience has ended,” and military action may occur if North Korea becomes a threat.
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