North Korea has conducted its first successful test of a long-range missile and claimed that it can “reach anywhere in the world.” The missile test, conducted on Tuesday morning, reached a height of 2,802 kilometers (1741 miles), reports state broadcaster Korea Central Television (KCTV). This is the highest ever altitude reached by a North Korean missile.
The development puts the US on notice that Pyongyang could potentially hit the US mainland. The missile was launched just days after US President Donald Trump talked with Japanese and Chinese leaders about the North Korea threat. Besides, the move also comes just before this week’s G20 meeting.
“North Korea has just launched another missile. Does this guy have anything better to do with his life? Hard to believe that South Korea and Japan will put up with this much longer. Perhaps China will put a heavy move on North Korea and end this nonsense once and for all!,” tweets US President Donald Trump.
However, the US Pacific Command said it traced the missile for 37 minutes. The country described it as a “land-based, intermediate range ballistic missile.” “The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) assessed that the missile launch from North Korea did not pose a threat to North America,” said a statement from US Pacific Command.
North Korea’s northern neighbor, China has urged restraint after the launch. “The situation on the Korean Peninsula is sensitive and complex,” said Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Geng Shuang. “We hope all relevant parties will exercise restraint and avoid taking actions that may escalate tensions and make efforts to bring the issue back to the peaceful settlement through dialogue and consultation,” it added.
