North Korea: US President Donald Trump among world leaders to condemn latest missile test

Missiles being paraded in North Korea in April
AFP/Getty Images

World leaders have condemned a North Korean ballistic missile test days after the South sworn in a new president.

North Korea launched a missile from north-western Kusong late on Saturday night, reaching an altitude of 2,000km, according to Japanese officials.

South Korea’s new president Moon Jae-in called the test a “reckless provocation”, while Donald Trump called for stronger sanctions against the regime.

China has urged for restraint in the test’s aftermath.

South Koreans watch a television displaying news broadcasts reporting on North Korea's recent ballistic missile launch
EPA

The test follows a number of launches from North Korea this year, with two failed launches last month, straining relations with the United States.

Such missile tests are banned by the United Nations.

The Japanese defence minister said the missile was in the air for about 30 minutes before falling in the Sea of Japan.

Mr Moon, who has called for more engagement with the North, hosted an emergency meeting in South Korea following the launch.

His spokesman said: “The president said while South Korea remains open to the possibility of dialogue with North Korea, it is only possible when the North shows a change in attitude."

The US Pacific Command said in a statement the type of missile was being assessed but that its flight was not consistent with that of an intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICMB).

North Korea is believed to be developing two types of ICMB, but are believed to be some way away from fixing reliability issues.

ICBMs can travel hundreds of miles.

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