US blames China and Russia for obstructing unified UN reaction to North Korea’s missile launches. During an emergency Security Council meeting, 13 of the 15 members – all but Moscow and Beijing – criticized Pyongyang’s second spy satellite test in three months, utilizing ballistic missile technology.
On Friday, August 25, the United States accused China and Russia of hindering a unified UN Security Council reaction to North Korea’s missile launches, including Thursday’s effort by Pyongyang to launch a spy satellite into space.
“This should be an issue that brings us together. … But since the start of 2022, this Council has failed to uphold its commitments due to China and Russia’s obstructive behavior,” stated US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
“The DPRK’s nuclear threat is increasing, and Russia and China are not fulfilling their responsibility to uphold international peace and security,” she added, employing the initials for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the North’s official name.
Thomas-Greenfield also denounced the attendance of Russian and Chinese officials at a North Korean military parade last month. North Korea showcased new drones and nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles during the military parade.
“They are celebrating – celebrating – violations of Security Council resolutions and persistently blocking Council action,” Thomas-Greenfield said regarding Moscow and Beijing. In May 2022, China and Russia vetoed a resolution imposing new sanctions on Pyongyang, and no resolution or declaration by the Security Council on North Korea has been adopted since. The last united Security Council action on North Korea occurred in 2017.
Debating the DPRK’s Satellite Launch and Nuclear Program
Representatives from China and Russia argued that US-South Korea Exercises was responsible for North Korea’s Aggressive Posture. North Korea has long asserted that its nuclear program is pursued in self-defense, and the same rationale applies to its satellite program.
North Korean Ambassador Kim Song Defends Satellite Launch as Self-Defense. He added that his country has never acknowledged UN Security Council resolutions on North Korea in any case.
Thomas-Greenfield contested that viewpoint. “We all know the truth: The DPRK prioritizes its paranoia and self-centered interests over the urgent needs of the North Korean people,” she remarked. Thomas-Greenfield emphasized that repression and brutality fuel the DPRK’s war machinery. “It’s disgraceful and poses a serious threat to global peace.”