An emergency U.N. Security Council meeting held on Friday witnessed a heated exchange between the United States and its allies, South Korea and Japan, and China and Russia regarding North Korea’s missile launches. The meeting was prompted by North Korea’s failed attempt to launch a military reconnaissance satellite on May 27, alongside other missile launches using banned ballistic missile technology.
Since the start of 2022, North Korea has conducted over 100 missile launches, defying U.N. sanctions and advancing its nuclear weapons program. In response, the U.S. and its allies have ramped up military exercises in the region.
Expressing deep concern over the escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, U.N. Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari stressed the urgent need for practical measures to de-escalate the situation and pursue diplomatic solutions.
North Korea’s Ambassador to the U.N., Kim Song, defended the country’s satellite launches as legitimate under international law. He blamed the U.S. for destabilizing the region with its military exercises, pushing the Korean Peninsula to the brink of war.
Highlighting North Korea’s aggressive nuclear policy and rhetoric, South Korea’s Ambassador, Joonkook Hwang, voiced concerns over the country’s growing hostility.
U.S. Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood called on the Security Council to condemn North Korea’s actions and hold it accountable for violating sanctions. He criticized China and Russia for hindering unified condemnation of North Korea’s behavior.
In response, Russia’s Ambassador Anna Evstigneeva attributed the escalating tensions to U.S.-led military activities and accused the U.S. of prioritizing confrontation over dialogue.
China’s Ambassador Fu Cong urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could exacerbate tensions. He cautioned against planned military exercises in August, warning they would only heighten tensions.
Despite diplomatic efforts, tensions persist, with the Security Council divided on how to address North Korea’s provocations and the broader security situation in northeast Asia.
