NORTH KOREA: US VP PENCE DENOUNCE PROVOCATION
Visiting American Vice President Mike Pence described North Korea's
failed missile test on Sunday as a "provocation" and assured South Korea
of Washington's full support against the threat from its volatile
neighbor. Pyongyang launched the missile hours before Pence arrived in
Seoul for talks on curbing the North's weapons programmes as fears grow
that it is planning another nuclear weapon test.
But US officials said the missile exploded seconds after it was fired. Military parade Pence said: "The provocation from the North (on Sunday) is just the latest reminder of the risks each one of you face each and every day in the defence of the freedom of the people of South Korea and the defence of America in this part of the world."About 28 500 US troops are stationed in the South.The latest launch came a day after the North held a defiant massive military parade in Pyongyang that showcased nearly 60 missiles- including a suspected new intercontinental ballistic missile.
The North has a habit of test firing missiles to mark major dates such as Saturday's 105th anniversary of the birth of the nation's founder Kim Il-sung, or as gestures of defiance when top US officials visit the region. South Korea's foreign ministry said by conducting the latest test just a day after displaying a series of missiles, "North Korea has threatened the whole world".
Last August a submarine-launched ballistic missile tested from Sinpo flew 500km towards Japan. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un hailed that test as the "greatest success" and said it brought the US mainland within range of a mobile delivery system. Ballistic missile Pyongyang's rogue atomic ambitions have come into sharp focus in recent weeks, with Trump vowing a tough stance against the North and threatening unilateral action if China failed to help curb its neighbour's nuclear programme. Trump has repeatedly said he will prevent Pyongyang from developing a nuclear-tipped ballistic missile capable of reaching the mainland United States.With speculation mounting that the North is preparing to conduct a sixth nuclear test, he sent an aircraft carrier led strike group to the Korean peninsula. On Monday Pence is scheduled to meet acting-President Hwang Kyo ahn for talks expected to focus on the North's weapons programmes and a controversial US missile.
But US officials said the missile exploded seconds after it was fired. Military parade Pence said: "The provocation from the North (on Sunday) is just the latest reminder of the risks each one of you face each and every day in the defence of the freedom of the people of South Korea and the defence of America in this part of the world."About 28 500 US troops are stationed in the South.The latest launch came a day after the North held a defiant massive military parade in Pyongyang that showcased nearly 60 missiles- including a suspected new intercontinental ballistic missile.
The North has a habit of test firing missiles to mark major dates such as Saturday's 105th anniversary of the birth of the nation's founder Kim Il-sung, or as gestures of defiance when top US officials visit the region. South Korea's foreign ministry said by conducting the latest test just a day after displaying a series of missiles, "North Korea has threatened the whole world".
Last August a submarine-launched ballistic missile tested from Sinpo flew 500km towards Japan. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un hailed that test as the "greatest success" and said it brought the US mainland within range of a mobile delivery system. Ballistic missile Pyongyang's rogue atomic ambitions have come into sharp focus in recent weeks, with Trump vowing a tough stance against the North and threatening unilateral action if China failed to help curb its neighbour's nuclear programme. Trump has repeatedly said he will prevent Pyongyang from developing a nuclear-tipped ballistic missile capable of reaching the mainland United States.With speculation mounting that the North is preparing to conduct a sixth nuclear test, he sent an aircraft carrier led strike group to the Korean peninsula. On Monday Pence is scheduled to meet acting-President Hwang Kyo ahn for talks expected to focus on the North's weapons programmes and a controversial US missile.
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