US Requests UN Security Council Meeting on North Korea Missiles... China and Russia's Opposition a Variable

Schedule Adjusted for May 5 Event
Uncertain if Additional Sanctions Will Follow

In response to Han firing one intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) that crossed the Japanese archipelago on the 4th, F-15 and F-2 fighters belonging to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force are flying in formation over Kyushu with F-35B fighters from the U.S. Marine Corps 12th Aviation Unit. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The United States has requested an open meeting of the United Nations Security Council after North Korea launched a ballistic missile passing over Japanese airspace for the first time in five years. Meanwhile, Russia and China are reportedly opposing the convening of the meeting.

On the 4th (local time), major foreign media reported that six countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Albania, Norway, and Ireland, requested an open meeting of the UN Security Council.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US Ambassador to the UN, stated on social media that "We requested a Security Council meeting in response to North Korea's dangerous long-range ballistic missile launch flying over Japanese airspace," emphasizing that "North Korea's capabilities to advance illegal ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs must be strictly limited."

The White House National Security Council (NSC) also issued a statement on the 3rd through spokesperson Adrian Watson, condemning "North Korea's reckless and dangerous decision."

Immediately after the missile launch, Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Advisor, and Antony Blinken, Secretary of State, increased pressure on North Korea by contacting their counterparts in South Korea and Japan. On the 4th, US President Joe Biden held a phone call with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, strongly condemning North Korea's missile test. The White House stated, "The two leaders confirmed that they will coordinate closely and continuously on immediate and long-term responses bilaterally, trilaterally with South Korea, and with the international community."

The Security Council is currently coordinating to hold the meeting on the afternoon of the 5th. However, China and Russia are reportedly opposing the convening of the meeting, stating that the Security Council's response should be conducted in a way that helps ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula. For an open Security Council meeting, when a member requests a meeting, the presiding country reviews it and then announces the schedule.

It is uncertain whether additional sanctions against North Korea will be imposed. The Security Council can take measures such as issuing presidential statements, press statements, or adopting resolutions in response to North Korea's provocations, but China and Russia have recently shown uncooperative attitudes, arguing that UN sanctions should be eased on humanitarian grounds. For a resolution to be adopted, unanimous consent of the five permanent members is required, and at least nine out of the fifteen members must vote in favor.

The Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported, "The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has deepened the rift between the permanent members China and Russia and the United States, France, and the United Kingdom," adding, "It is uncertain whether a legally binding resolution will be issued."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.