The United Nations Security Council, led by the United States, condemned a recent North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile launch and called on Pyongyang to return to negotiations and abandon its missile programs. The statement was approved by 10 out of the 15 Security Council members, including countries like France, Japan, and South Korea. The launch of North Korea’s newest ICBM, designed to reach the United States, was cited as a violation of multiple Security Council resolutions and a threat to international peace and security. The Group of Seven wealthy democracies also denounced North Korea’s actions, stating that the country continues to advance its unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities.
At the United Nations, the U.S. deputy ambassador read the statement to reporters alongside diplomats from the nine other nations that signed on. The statement was also supported by representatives from countries set to join the Security Council in January. However, five Security Council nations, including Russia and China, did not support the statement. The statement called on all council nations to implement sanctions on North Korea and uphold the treaty banning the proliferation of nuclear weapons. It specifically addressed Russia’s reported receipt of munitions and troops from North Korea for its war against Ukraine.
The ongoing tensions within the Security Council reflect the divide between the U.S. and its allies on one side, and countries like Russia and China on the other. Despite efforts to pass resolutions imposing sanctions on North Korea, China and Russia have consistently vetoed U.S.-sponsored resolutions in recent years. The Security Council has sought to curb North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs through sanctions, but these efforts have been largely unsuccessful. The last sanctions resolution was adopted in December 2017, and no new council action has been taken since then due to vetoes from China and Russia.
The statement from the 10 Security Council members reaffirmed their commitment to upholding sanctions on North Korea and urged all nations to abide by their responsibility to maintain international peace and security. The recent ICBM tests conducted by North Korea, as well as its escalation of destabilizing activities, have raised concerns among the international community. The U.S. and its allies have called for a united front against North Korea’s provocative actions, while Russia and China have continued to support the regime in Pyongyang. The situation remains tense as the Security Council struggles to find a diplomatic solution to the ongoing crisis.
