Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s Ballistic Missile Launch over Japan A ‘Reckless Act’, Assistant Secretary-General Tells Security Council
Delegates Urge Return to Negotiations, Unified Council Response, But Differ on Application of New Sanctions
The ballistic missile launch of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on 4 October was a reckless act and a clear violation of Security Council resolutions, a United Nations senior political and peacebuilding official told the Security Council today, as members demanded that Pyongyang refrain from further provocations, engage in meaningful dialogue and halt its nuclear and missiles programmes.
Mohamed Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, reported that according to various Government sources, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea launched a ballistic missile at approximately 7:23 a.m. local time on 4 October. The missile, which has not been publicly acknowledged by that country, marked the first time that it had launched a ballistic missile over Japanese territory since 15 September 2017.
The Secretary-General calls on Pyongyang to immediately cease further destabilizing acts, comply fully with its international obligations, and take steps to resume dialogue with a view to achieving complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, he said. Detailing other troubling developments, he said the Secretary-General commends the key parties for their willingness to engage in dialogue with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea without preconditions. “The unity of the Security Council in this matter is essential to ease tensions, overcome the diplomatic impasse and avoid a negative action-reaction cycle,” he said.
In the ensuing discussion, many delegates agreed that dialogue is the way forward and called on Pyongyang to return to the negotiating table, while diverging on the application of sanctions. Many urged the Council to send a clear and unified message and condemned Pyongyang’s provocative actions, while others underscored the need for humanitarian aid to flow freely into the country.
The representative of the United States, noting that “Pyongyang clearly feels emboldened,” recalled that 13 Council members had voted in favour of imposing real costs in response to its actions. Nonetheless, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea still “enjoys blanket protection from two members of the Council, who have justified its provocations”. Although committed to dialogue and diplomacy, the United States will not tolerate claims that its defensive actions are the cause of such threats, she stressed, calling on the Council to fully implement existing resolutions and for a resolution to address Pyongyang’s efforts to evade sanctions.
Albania’s representative was among several delegates who called for unity within the 15-member body, stressing that the Council must “stand up and speak with one voice” in denouncing the behaviour of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and holding it accountable. “It is nonsense for members of the Security Council to protect Democratic People’s Republic of Korea from not getting angry,” she said, calling on the Council to use its tools and power to ensure the full implementation of sanctions.
The speaker for China explained that launch activities by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea occurred either before or after joint military exercises by the United States and other countries in the region, adding that the latter ignored the former’s positive denuclearization measures and did not address its reasonable concerns. Dialogue and consultations are the only way to resolve the Korean Peninsula issue, he said, calling on the United States to create conditions for dialogue to resume. For their part, China and the Russian Federation have jointly tabled a resolution to ease the humanitarian situation on the ground and create a favourable atmosphere for mutual trust.
In a similar vein, the representative of the Russian Federation also stressed that Pyongyang’s missile launches are the consequence of short-sighted, confrontational military activity by the United States. Countering other delegations, she underscored that introducing new sanctions against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea “is a dead end,” and that the United Nations and the Council must support inter-Korean dialogue and multilateral negotiations, rather than impeding them.
The speaker for the Republic of Korea observed that some have argued that the Council should show restraint and not further irritate the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, yet that country is responding to the Council’s silence by launching more missiles and promulgating a new law on the use of nuclear weapons. In 2022 alone, it has launched a total of 39 ballistic missiles. “The Security Council must take decisive measures to send a unified and clear message to Pyongyang that its escalatory behaviour must come to an end,” he said, urging the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to respond positively to Seoul’s proposal for sincere and substantive denuclearization talks and to cease all provocations.
The representative of Japan further detailed that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has launched eight ballistic missiles over five separate launches in just 10 days — part of Pyongyang’s reinvigorated missile programme. They mark a clear escalation; pose a grave threat to the peace and security of Japan, the region and beyond; and challenge the very authority of the Council. “Silence is not an option,” he emphasized, urging the Council to act resolutely and “not allow the current situation to become a new normal”.
Also speaking were representatives of France, Ireland, Norway, United Kingdom, India, United Arab Emirates, Ghana, Mexico, Kenya, Brazil, Gabon.
The representatives of United States, China and the Russian Federation took the floor a second time.
The meeting began at 3:03 p.m. and ended at 4:28 p.m.
Briefing
MOHAMED KHALED KHIARI, Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, said that according to various Government sources, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea launched a ballistic missile at approximately 7:23 a.m. local time on 4 October. The missile, which has not been publicly acknowledged by that country, was reportedly launched from Jagang province, covered a range of 4,500 kilometres and reached an apogee of about 970 kilometres. It marked the first time that country had launched a ballistic missile over Japanese territory since 15 September 2017. “This was a reckless act and a clear violation of Council resolutions,” he said, emphasizing that the launch risks triggering a significant escalation of tensions in the region and beyond. He quoted the Secretary-General as calling on Pyongyang to immediately cease any further destabilizing acts and to comply fully with its international obligations under relevant Council resolutions. The Secretary-General also urges the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to take steps to resume dialogue with the key parties concerned with a view to achieving sustainable peace and the complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, he added.
There have been other troubling developments since the briefing to the Council on 11 May, he continued. In addition to the latest ballistic missile launch, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea launched systems with the apparent characteristics of short-range ballistic missiles on 25 September, 28 September, 29 September and 1 October. On 12 September, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that there were indications that the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site remained active and prepared to support a nuclear test. The IAEA added that they continued to observe construction activities at the Yongbyon nuclear facilities as well as indications that the five-megawatt nuclear reactor was operating. “The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the adoption on 8 September of the law on the ‘DPRK’s Policy on the Nuclear Forces’ by the Supreme People’s Assembly,” he said, pointing out that “increasing the role and significance of nuclear weapons in security doctrines is contrary to decades of efforts by the international community to reduce and eliminate nuclear risks”. While some States continue to rely on nuclear weapons in their security policies, nuclear weapons pose an existential threat to humanity and heighten the risk of unintended escalation or miscalculation, he said. “We must strengthen our efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons,” he urged.
He went on to say that the Secretary-General urges the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to reset the course to dialogue and build on previous diplomatic efforts and reaffirms his commitment to working with all parties for sustainable peace and the complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Moreover, the Secretary-General welcomes and encourages regular contact and cooperation among the key parties and commends them for their willingness to engage in dialogue with the country without preconditions. The Secretary-General remains concerned about the humanitarian situation in the country, he continued, noting that the United Nations system, in coordination with international and humanitarian partners, is ready to send staff and assistance to help the Government in Pyongyang address medical and humanitarian needs, including those related to the COVID-19 pandemic. He called for the unimpeded entry of international staff and humanitarian supplies and acknowledged the work of Member States toward resolving the banking channel for humanitarian operations. “The unity of the Security Council in this matter is essential to ease tensions, overcome the diplomatic impasse and avoid a negative action-reaction cycle,” he said.
LINDA THOMAS-GREENFIELD (United States) said over the past nine days, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has launched eight ballistic missiles, all in violation of Council resolutions, as well as a total of 39 in 2022 alone. It is also reportedly reconstructing a testing site for a seventh nuclear test, “Pyongyang clearly feels emboldened,” she said. Recalling that 13 Council members have voted in favour of imposing real costs in response to those actions, she said that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea still “enjoys blanket protection from two members of the Council, who have justified its provocations”. The United States is committed to dialogue and diplomacy, but it will not tolerate claims that its defensive actions are the cause of such threats, nor will it stand by when faced with threats to itself, its allies and the world. She called for the Council to act to effectuate the full implementation of existing resolutions and for a resolution to address the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s efforts to evade sanctions.
ALBANA DAUTLLARI (Albania) strongly condemned the unacceptable launch of long-range ballistic missiles. In recalling the unified response to similar actions in 2017, she urged the Council to act responsibly and accordingly by responding to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s immediate threats to peninsular and regional stability. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea must withdraw immediately from its dangerous and provocative actions which violate Council resolutions and which continue to undermine the international rules-based order, she said. The Council must “stand up and speak with one voice” in denouncing the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s behaviour and holding it accountable, she added. “It is nonsense for members of the Security Council to protect Democratic People’s Republic of Korea from not getting angry.” The Council must use its tools and power to send a strong message and ensure the full implementation of sanctions. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea must leave behind its provocations, stop its development of weapons of mass destruction and understand that dialogue and diplomacy are the “only and right way forward”.
NICOLAS DE RIVIÈRE (France) condemned the 4 October missile launch, adding that Japan has France’s full solidarity. The increase in ballistic tests over the years was unprecedented, he said, adding that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was developing its ballistic-missile capacity with an announced intent of developing a tactical nuclear programme. Further, that country was continuing its enrichment activities and was using increasingly aggressive nuclear rhetoric. Against that backdrop, it was irresponsible to reward violations of Council resolutions with softened sanctions, he said. He urged that pressure be kept on Pyongyang, noting that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea continued to avoid the impact of sanctions by directly funding its programmes through cyberattacks. Underscoring that the international community must work towards the complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of Pyongyang’s nuclear ballistic programme, he called on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to return to the negotiating table in good faith. He also expressed regret that the regime continued to develop and finance its proliferation programmes to the detriment of its own people and called on the Council to unanimously condemn this new provocation.
CÁIT MORAN (Ireland), in expressing concern over the unprecedented intensity and diversity of missile launches, condemned the eight launches over the past two weeks. The most recent launch demonstrated the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s dangerous and reckless path and serious potential risks to neighbours and maritime and air traffic, she said. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea had also continued its illegal nuclear activities at Yongbyon, preparations towards a possible nuclear test, threats against neighbours and stated aim to develop tactical nuclear weapons which escalate tensions and confrontations. In noting the Council’s silence, including the veto of a resolution by two members in May, she urged the Council to “live up to its responsibilities” and enforce its resolutions and sanctions. As it was the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s actions alone that have raised tensions, it is for that country to resolve the situation by meeting its obligations, abandoning ballistic missile and nuclear programmes in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner, adhere to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test Ban Treaty and comply with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and IAEA safeguards, she said. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea must consider its responsibilities to its own people and engage meaningfully without preconditions with the United States’ and Republic of Korea’s offers, she added.
MONA JUUL (Norway), condemning the latest ballistic missile launch, said that the Council’s silence and inability to act had enabled the situation to escalate. Recent missile launches have raised tensions, made diplomatic efforts even more difficult and posed a very serious threat to civil aviation and maritime safety in the region. She urged the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to comply fully with its international obligations, to abandon its nuclear and ballistic programmes in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner, and to recommit to meaningful negotiations. “The DPRK must rejoin the international non-proliferation regime,” she emphasized. She called on the Council to show unity in the face of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s escalation, adding: “If the Council continues to remain silent, this will undermine its credibility and authority.” She added that Council members in contact with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea should urge Pyongyang to accept the unconditional offers of dialogue extended by the United States and the Republic of Korea. She went on to say that the full implementation of sanctions measures by all Member States is crucial. “It is high time the Council spoke with a unified voice on this issue,” she said, adding that Norway supports the press statement proposed by the United States.
BARBARA WOODWARD (United Kingdom) said that the latest illegal ballistic missile test by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is a serious escalation, but the broader trend is just as concerning. “This year alone, North Korea [Democratic People’s Republic of Korea] has launched 39 ballistic missiles, many of which were launched in the last 10 days”. Urging Council members to meet those violations with a firm and united response, she stressed that “North Korea has been emboldened by the Council’s inaction and the use of the veto by two Council members”. Diplomacy is the only route to sustained peace on the Korean Peninsula, but it is right that the Council continue to take appropriate and targeted measures to slow the pace of proliferation, she said, calling on Member States to implement in full existing Council resolutions to counter Pyongyang’s continued development of prohibited programmes. She went on to call on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to allow an independent assessment of the humanitarian situation and to allow aid to flow freely into the country. She further called on it to refrain from further provocations, engage meaningfully with the United States’ offer of dialogue and to take concrete steps towards denuclearization in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner.
RUCHIRA KAMBOJ (India) noted with concern reports of ballistic missile launches by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea over the last week. Stressing that these follow the launch of the intercontinental ballistic missiles in March and other successive launches, she noted that those launches constitute a violation of Council and affect the peace and security of the region and beyond. Calling for full implementation of the Council’s resolutions relating to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, she reiterated the importance of addressing the proliferation of nuclear and missile technologies related to that country in the region. “These linkages have an adverse impact on peace and security in the region, including on India”, she said, reaffirming support for denuclearization towards peace and security in the Korean Peninsula. “The Global South has already been disproportionately affected by the prevailing geopolitical situation and related challenges”, she added, encouraging all efforts to maintain peace and security in the Korean Peninsula, something that is “in our collective interest”.
LANA ZAKI NUSSEIBEH (United Arab Emirates) said the Council must renew its call for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to respect international laws, norms and relevant Council resolutions. Pyongyang must exercise restraint and make diplomacy and dialogue a priority, she said. She condemned any missile tests in violation of Council resolutions, any efforts to possess nuclear weapons and all actions that undermined non-proliferation efforts. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s escalatory pattern of behaviour, specifically through its development of a nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programme, will negatively affect the global disarmament and non-proliferation architecture, she said. The Council must intensify its efforts to maintain peace and security, both on the Korean peninsula and around the world, and preserve the global non-proliferation regime, she said, adding that includes preventing the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea from engaging in the black-market smuggling of weapons and components. In doing so, the Council must consider using all measures at its disposal, including sanctions. She went on to stress that the Council must speak with a united voice, declaring: “The warning signs are flashing red for this Council and a response is needed.”
HAROLD ADLAI AGYEMAN (Ghana) voiced concern about the escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula and the wider North-East Asia region. The recent ballistic missile launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea represented a clear escalation of that country’s actions against its neighbours and international peace. Deploring the launch, which was carried out in breach of several Council resolutions and without concern for air or maritime safety, he urged the Council to unite in calling on Pyongyang to take immediate and concrete steps to bring itself into compliance with its international obligations. He urged the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to refrain from further missile test launches, adhere to relevant Council resolutions, and resume dialogue with relevant parties in a manner that recognizes regional and global security concerns. He voiced hope that the Council would be able to act in a manner that preserved and ensured peace, while ensuring that the humanitarian needs of the people of the Democratic Republic of Korea were addressed.
JUAN RAMÓN DE LA FUENTE RAMÍREZ (Mexico) noted with concern the launch of a missile by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on 4 October, which flew over Japan before falling in the Pacific Ocean, and echoed the Secretary-General’s strong condemnation of the action. Such a situation had not been seen since 2017, although the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has, through the past month, stepped up its launches and use of new technologies, he said, pointing out that this demonstrated the Council’s inability to prevent it from strengthening and developing its missile programme, to the detriment of international non-proliferation architecture and in contravention of the Council’s decisions. Such actions undermine regional security, as well as jeopardize the maritime and air security in the area. He called on the Council to speak with one voice on any actions that contravene the international non-proliferation regime, and called on stakeholders with influence in the region to help bring parties back to the negotiating table. Expressing support for the draft press statement circulated on the issue, he reiterated the need to exercise maximum restraint and underscored the need for dialogue leading to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
MICHAEL KAPKIAI KIBOINO (Kenya) expressed profound concern over the steadily escalating situation in the Korean Peninsula, stating that relentless and uncalled-for provocative actions “are driving the region into an unnecessary arms race and represent a great threat to international peace and security”. He stressed that “any miscalculation could plunge the Korean Peninsula into unspeakable turmoil” and noted that “socioeconomic and security repercussions would be catastrophic, particularly for the global South”. Therefore, he called for the halting of any further provocative acts in compliance with relevant Security Council resolutions and encouraged a dialogue that acknowledges the concerns of all parties in the region. Further, he urged the international community, particularly States with influence on both sides, to help restart diplomatic negotiations. He concluded by saying that “provocations are happening against a backdrop of a deteriorating humanitarian situation” in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and urged concerned parties not to worsen the suffering of innocent populations.
JOAO GENESIO DE ALMEIDA FILHO (Brazil) condemned in the strongest terms the most recent launch of an intermediate-range ballistic missile by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, noting that this year alone that country has launched 39 such missiles, all of which violate relevant Council resolutions. “Even in this context, however, the present launch stands out,” he stressed, adding that it was the first launch in five years to overfly the territory of a neighbouring country, as it crossed over the northern part of Japan. Such launches overpopulated areas could easily be construed by early warning systems as a real attack, potentially precipitating a dangerous and unpredictable crisis, and there was a real risk of missile malfunction, with dangerous and disruptive consequences. Noting that around 200,000 Brazilians reside in Japan, he called on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to adhere to relevant Council resolutions and abstain from further ballistic missile tests, and urged a return to the moratorium declared in 2018 on intermediate and long-range tests. The Council must explore alternative avenues to reduce tensions on the Peninsula and break the current deadlock.
ANNA EVSTIGNEEVA (Russian Federation) pointed out that the United States and its allies in the region recently resumed large-scale military training exercises, and that the leaders of Japan, the United States and the Republic of Korea have made irresponsible statements regarding the deployment of deterrents on the Korean Peninsula. Expressing regret that this information was not reflected in today’s briefing, she said that it was “obvious” that Pyongyang’s missile launches are the consequence of short-sighted, confrontational military activity by the United States. Washington, D.C.’s persistent advancement of its unilateral security doctrine in the Asia-Pacific region only creates new risks for the countries therein, attempting to divide them according the to the principle of “if you’re not with us, you’re against us”, she said. Further, the creation of new blocs — such as that between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States (AUKUS) — creates doubts about these States’ intentions and is not conducive to dialogue. “Out of all the dishes on the menu, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is only offered one,” she observed, stressing that sanctions can neither ensure security in the region nor settle the issue of nuclear proliferation. Expressing regret that Western States ignored Pyongyang’s numerous appeals for them to stop their hostile activities — which would have provided an opportunity for dialogue — she underscored that introducing new sanctions against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea “is a dead end”. The United Nations and the Council must support inter-Korean dialogue and multilateral negotiations, rather than impeding them, she added.
GENG SHUANG (China) said that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s launch activities occurred either before or after joint military exercises by the United States and other countries in the region. All parties should focus on the overarching goal of peace and stability, staying cool-headed, exercise restraint and prudence, and refrain from taking any action that aggravates tensions or results in a miscalculation, he said. The crux of the matter is the confrontation between the United States and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, he continued. The United States did not acknowledge the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s positive denuclearization measures nor address its legitimate and reasonable concerns which resulted in deadlocked dialogue and entrenched mistrust. The United States also bolstered its military alliance in the Asia-Pacific region, pursued a double standard on the nuclear issue, engaged in political manoeuvring and poisoned the regional security environment, he further continued. Dialogue and consultations are the only way to resolve the Korean Peninsula issue, he said, calling upon the United States to demonstrate its sincerity by effectively addressing the concerns of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and creating conditions for dialogue to resume. For its part, the Council should contribute to a détente and forge unity instead of creating division by relying on strong rhetoric and pressure. To that end, China and the Russian Federation have jointly tabled a resolution to ease the humanitarian situation on the ground and create a favourable atmosphere for mutual trust, he said. All parties must handle the issue based on the principle of indivisible security and of phased and synchronised actions, follow the dual-track approach, meet each other halfway and resolve reasonable concerns in a balanced manner, he emphasized.
MICHEL XAVIER BIANG (Gabon), Council President for October, spoke in his national capacity, saying that his country condemns the latest ballistic missile test. It is a reminder to the international community of the scope of the threat that is weighing on the security of the Korean Peninsula. “The diplomacy of missile tests and showing force cannot be the solution,” he said, stressing the vital importance of the non-proliferation regime. Calling for “dialogue without conditions” in finding solution to upholding peace and eradicating the nuclear threat from the Korean Peninsula, he opposed the use or the threat of using nuclear weapons. The development of new nuclear capacities in the region will only deepen the security threat at the regional and global levels, he said, adding that Gabon rejects any rhetoric that trivializes the nuclear threat.
JOONKOOK HWANG (Republic of Korea) reminded the Council that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has launched a total of 39 ballistic missiles in 2022 alone and more than 130 over the last 10 years. “Indeed, at the present juncture, we are living with the DPRK’s dangerous missile provocations on daily basis,” he said. Condemning those launches in the strongest terms, he emphasized that they violate numerous Council resolutions, threaten peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and beyond, and undermine the foundation of the global non-proliferation regime. Those launches also demonstrate Pyongyang’s disregard of its obligations under the United Nations Charter and its preoccupation with developing weapons of mass destruction despite a dire humanitarian situation. Any attempt by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to justify its possession or potential use of nuclear weapons will not be recognized by the international community under any circumstances, he said.
“The DPRK’s continued breach of its international obligations must be held accountable,” he stressed, adding however, that it is regrettable that the Council, for the first time since 2006, failed in May to adopt a resolution on this matter. Some have argued that the Council should show restraint and not further irritate the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, yet that country is responding to the Council’s silence by launching more missiles and promulgating, on 8 September, a new law on the use of nuclear weapons. “The Security Council must take decisive measures to send a unified and clear message to Pyongyang that its escalatory behaviour must come to an end,” he said, also urging the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to respond positively to Seoul’s proposal for sincere and substantive denuclearization talks. He concluded by strongly urging the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to cease all provocations, fulfil its obligations under relevant Security Council resolutions, and engage in meaningful dialogue on denuclearization with the Republic of Korea and the United States.
ISHIKANE KIMIHIRO (Japan), pointing out that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has launched eight ballistic missiles over five separate launches in just 10 days, stressed that all those launches violate relevant resolutions adopted by the Council. “They mark a clear escalation and pose a grave and imminent threat to the peace and security not only of Japan, but the region and beyond,” he said, adding: “They challenge the very authority of the Council.” Highlighting that the latest one was especially significant, he said it flew over Japan and impacted the Pacific Ocean for the first time since 2017. “We can all imagine how terrifying it must be to see a flying missile overhead. This is absolutely unacceptable and Japan condemns it in the strongest possible terms,” he stressed. Moreover, the most recent launches must not be viewed in isolation. They are part of Pyongyang’s reinvigorated missile programme, he said, urging the Council to “not allow the current situation to become a new normal”. Council resolution 2329 (2017) must be respected. The Council should be mindful that it is being tested and its credibility is at stake, he said, stressing: “Silence is not an option.” The Council should act and produce an outcome that restores its credibility and fulfils its responsibilities. It must send a clear and unequivocal message to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the international community that that country’s ongoing nuclear and missile activities constitutes a grave threat to international peace and security and that there is no excuse for such actions, he stressed.
Ms. THOMAS-GREENFIELD (United States), taking the floor a second time, said that as expected, the Russian Federation and China are choosing to not place blame where it lies, and emphasized that exercises conducted by the Republic of Korea and the United States are defensive, and intended to improve readiness and deterrence, and tackle regional threats. The ballistic missile launch in question is reckless and endangers neighbours, and there is no equivalency between the two actions, she stressed, adding that none of the parties to AUKUS violate the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Turning to the proposed draft resolution put forth by the Russian Federation and China, she said it is predicated on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s goodwill on a moratorium, adding: “To which I say, what moratorium? They have shown that such a moratorium does not exist.” She underscored the need to strengthen sanctions, building on Council resolution 1718 (2006), “instead of providing sanctions relief”. On the question of humanitarian issues, she said self-imposed border closures by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, not sanctions, are the only barriers to sending assistance.
Mr. SHUANG (China), taking the floor a second time, stressed that the situation on the Korean Peninsula must be viewed comprehensively. Recent launches by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea are closely related to a series of joint military exercises in the region, and any assertions that such launches occurred because the Council did not adopt a resolution on this issue in May are misleading. These military exercises, nuclear submarine cooperation between certain countries and statements regarding the deployment of “strategic assets” in the region only serve to increase confrontation, he said. Further, he pointed out that China has consistently agreed that Council resolutions pertaining to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea must be fully implemented. Such resolutions include provisions to address the humanitarian situation on the Peninsula and facilitate a political process. All provisions of these resolutions must be implemented, he stressed, observing that “experience shows that sanctions cannot solve everything”. He therefore called on all countries concerned to “meet each other halfway”, to treat the issue in a balanced manner, and address the legitimate concerns of all parties.
Ms. EVSTIGNEEVA (Russian Federation), taking the floor a second time, refenced the border with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to highlight her country’s need to consider the situation comprehensively and responsibly. In disagreeing with the conclusion of the United States that the Russian Federation is trying to shift the blame and presenting information contrary to the facts, she spotlighted the erroneous and dangerous policy of the United States and its allies. As long as there is a provocative strengthening of regional military alliances, Pyongyang will react and the risks will only continue to grow, she said. The only solution is through dialogue and political solutions which account for the legitimate concerns of all impacted parties, she emphasized.