North Korea test-launches second ICBM, Trump condemns action as ‘reckless and dangerous’
China, the North’s main ally, said it opposed North Korea’s “launch activities that run counter to Security Council resolutions and the common wishes of the international community”
US President Donald Trump on Friday condemned as “reckless and dangerous” North Korea’s second test-launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile that some experts said could reach major cities in the mainland United States.
Trump said the United States will take “all necessary steps to ensure the security of the American homeland and protect our allies” in Asia.
China, the North’s main ally, said it opposed North Korea’s “launch activities that run counter to Security Council resolutions and the common wishes of the international community”.
A foreign ministry statement added: “At the same time, China hopes all parties act with caution, to prevent tensions from continuing to escalate, to jointly protect regional peace and stability.”
North Korea fired the ballistic missile on Friday in a late-night test launch from its northern Jangang province that landed in the sea off its east coast, possibly in Japan’s exclusive economic zone, South Korea and Japan said.
North Korea said leader Kim Jong-un observed the test and said that the launch demonstrated an ability to conduct a surprise attack on the US mainland.