Yet Again, North Korea Launches a Missile, US Calls for ‘Firm’ UN Response, China Calls for Restraint

North Korea’s ballistic missile test Sunday sparked a now familiar pattern of responses to provocative actions by the Kim regime, with the U.S. leading a chorus of condemnation and calling for a “firm” U.N. Security Council response, and China signaling it wants to apply the brakes.

The launch, which Pyongyang said carried an earth observation satellite into orbit, violated a series of previous UNSC resolutions that prohibit North Korea from using ballistic missile knowhow. It was the sixth time since 1998 that the regime has tested technology which the Pentagon says aims to bring the U.S. mainland within reach of a nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missile.

Secretary of State John Kerry said it was time for the UNSC to act, to hold North Korea to account “in a firm and united way.”

But Beijing’s reaction was to express regret, and then effectively call for restraint on all sides.

“The Chinese side hopes that relevant parties could react with calm and caution, refrain from taking actions that may further escalate tensions on the Korean peninsula, and jointly uphold regional peace and stability,” said foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying. (Read more from “Yet Again, North Korea Launches a Missile, US Calls for ‘Firm’ UN Response, China Calls for Restraint” HERE)

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