The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Sunday test-fired a medium-range ballistic missile, which was the second time it conducted such missile launches within one week.
The test-firing of “Pukguksong-2,” supervised by DPRK’s top leader Kim Jong Un, aimed to “finally verify all the technical indexes of the weapon system and thoroughly examine its adaptability under various battle conditions, before its deployment at military units for action,” according to a report from the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The Pukguksong-2 medium-range ballistic missile is capable of striking targets 500 km away.
On May 14, the DPRK test-fired a ballistic missile which “accurately hit” the targeted open waters 787 km away after flying to a maximum altitude of 2,111.5 km, according to the KCNA.
In recent months, the DPRK has frequently launched missiles, which has drawn condemnation from the international community.
On May 15, the UN Security Council slammed the most recent ballistic missile launches conducted by the DPRK, saying the DPRK’s “illegal ballistic missile activities are contributing to its development of nuclear weapons delivery systems and are greatly increasing tension in the region and beyond.”
In a statement, the 15-member council expressed “utmost concern” over the DPRK’s “highly destabilizing behavior and flagrant and provocative defiance of the Security Council by conducting these ballistic missile launches in violation of its international obligations under United Nations Security Council resolutions.”
The members of the Security Council emphasized “the vital importance” of the DPRK “immediately showing sincere commitment to denuclearization through concrete action and stressed the importance of working to reduce tensions in the Korean Peninsula and beyond,” the statement said.
The Security Council demanded the DPRK “conduct no further nuclear and ballistic missile tests,” the statement said.
According to previous Security Council resolutions, the DPRK is banned from conducting any launches that use ballistic missile technology, nuclear tests or any other provocation.
The council has imposed tough sanctions on the DPRK, which includes banning the sale and transfer of coal, iron and iron ore from the country’s territory.
On Friday, when meeting with Lee Hae-chan, South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s special envoy, Chinese President Xi Jinping said China adheres to realizing the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, ensuring regional peace and stability, and is committed to resolving any issues through dialogue and coordination.
