After North Korea recently tested missiles, the USA brought a resolution with further sanctions before the UN Security Council – and failed. Two countries vetoed it.
After renewed North Korean tests with nuclear-capable missiles, the United States initially failed with a resolution for stricter sanctions against Pyongyang in the UN Security Council.
Russia and China vetoed the passage of a US resolution in a vote in New York on Thursday. According to Western diplomats, a version of the resolution could come up again depending on North Korea’s actions.
Sanctions should also hit hacker group
US officials have previously argued that the punitive resolution aimed at weakening North Korea “further restricts North Korea’s ability to advance its illegal weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs.” Among other things, the resolution contained sanctions against the North Korean hacker group Lazarus.
On Wednesday morning (local time), North Korea launched three ballistic missiles at short intervals towards the open sea in the east, one of which was apparently an ICBM. In addition, there are increasing signs of an impending new nuclear test by North Korea.
Growing insecurity in the region
The latest missile test came at a time of growing uncertainty in the region. It was North Korea’s 17th round of missile tests this year. According to experts, the country wants to modernize its missile arsenal and possibly also increase the pressure on the USA so that they can submit concrete negotiation proposals.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke to his Japanese counterpart Nobuo Kishi on Thursday about North Korea’s recent missile tests. The Pentagon said Austin reiterated “the United States’ unwavering commitment to the defense of Japan.” Austin spoke to South Korean Defense Minister Suh Wook on Wednesday.
