North Korea has voiced its criticism against the United Nations Security Council for convening a meeting to discuss its recent intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch. State media reports that North Korea will persist in pursuing “the most overwhelming” nuclear deterrence until the United States abandons its hostile policy towards Pyongyang.
The Security Council, comprised of 15 members, held the meeting in response to North Korea’s announcement of a successful test of its latest ICBM, the Hwasong-18.
North Korea signals a potential escalation in its standoff with the United States and its allies with the launching of the Hwasong-18
The flight duration of over 70 minutes achieved by Wednesday’s launch represents a slight advancement compared to the ICBMs tested by North Korea in March and April of this year. These weapons have the necessary range to potentially target the continental United States.
The recent launch, which landed in waters near Japan, followed North Korea’s earlier threat to shoot down US military reconnaissance aircraft engaged in what it deemed “hostile espionage” near its territory.
The Hwasong-18, characterized as a solid-fuel weapon, is more difficult to detect and intercept compared to North Korea’s liquid-fueled ICBMs. Its successful development allows North Korea to potentially launch long-range nuclear strikes more swiftly and effortlessly as it intensifies its missile program.
