Pyongyang launches a missile that puts 'all the United States within range'

The missile flew for more than 1,000 km reaching an altitude of about 3,700 km. For South Korea, this represents a "significant" improvement in missile technology. Seoul calls for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. US and South Korea conduct new missile exercises. China urges restraint. President Moon’s call for dialogue go unheeded.

Seoul (AsiaNews) - North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile last night that shows all the United States within range.

"The leader said proudly the test also confirmed all the US mainland is within our striking range," the Korean Central News Agency said in the statement announcing the test.

The Hwasong-14 missile was launched from Jagang province last night at 11.41 pm. It flew more than 1,000 kilometres at the maximum altitude of around 3,700 km before landing in the waters between Korea and Japan.

South Korea's President Moon Jae-in convened an emergency meeting of his national security team at 1 am.

Today, South Korea’s Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting to issue a strong resolution against North Korea and its provocation.

Ms Kang pointed out that the latest launch shows a "significant" improvement in Pyongyang's missile technology. She warned however against unilateral actions that could damage President Moon's approach to North Korea centred on solving the nuclear impasse through dialogue.

China also condemned the missile test but urged "all parties concerned" to exercise restraint "and avoid intensifying tensions".

Meanwhile, US and South Korea today conducted a joint exercise off the Korean coast, including firing ballistic missiles, in a show of firepower against North Korea.

The live-fire exercise held along the east coast involved South Korea's Hyunmoo-2 and the US Eight Army's Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS).

In mid-July, South Korea offered to hold inter-Korean military talks to ease tensions along the tense border and separate talks to resume reunions of families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War. So far, North Korea has not responded to the overtures.

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Pyongyang launches a missile that puts 'all the United States within range'

Pyongyang launches a missile that puts 'all the United States within range'

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