North Korea's Kim Jong-un called "Mr. Kim" by US White House... "Must return to dialogue"

North Korea announced that it has succeeded in testing a high-power rocket engine believed to be for the development of a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
On the 16th, Korean Central TV reported, "Amid the unwavering will and persistent efforts of scientists and technicians in the defense science research sector to resolutely accomplish the important core goals of strengthening national defense power presented at the 8th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea, another strategically significant major test was conducted on December 15." [Korean Central TV footage] [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] "We reiterate our offer to sit down with Mr. Kim (Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea) without preconditions."

The White House on the 16th (local time) repeatedly urged North Korea to return to dialogue in response to North Korea's claim of successfully testing a high-power rocket engine believed to be for developing a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

According to the White House, John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council (NSC), said in a virtual briefing that "Mr. Kim continues to pursue military capabilities that threaten the region, the Korean Peninsula, our allies and partners, and our national security interests," in response to questions about the report on North Korea's successful test of a high-power rocket engine related to new strategic weapons development.

Coordinator Kirby mentioned, "That is why we cooperate with South Korea and Japan, continue our military presence, exercises, and training on the Korean Peninsula and in the region, and strive to enhance our own intelligence-gathering capabilities on and around the Korean Peninsula." He also emphasized, "We reiterate our offer to sit down with Mr. Kim without preconditions," and urged him to accept the offer "so that we can find a diplomatic path toward denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."

This message simultaneously reaffirmed the commitment to maintain readiness with regional allies such as South Korea and Japan, and the policy of dialogue with North Korea without preconditions. Notably, Coordinator Kirby drew attention by referring to Chairman Kim as "Mr. Kim."

Earlier, North Korea's Korean Central News Agency reported on the 16th (Korean time) that North Korea succeeded in the first ground static test of a high-power solid-fuel engine producing 140tf (ton-force, thrust capable of lifting 140 tons) at the West Sea Satellite Launching Station, stating that this is for the development of new strategic weapons. This indicates that North Korea is developing an ICBM using solid fuel, which offers advantages in stealth and mobility over liquid fuel that requires fueling time, enabling surprise attacks. Once development is complete, it will inevitably pose a significant threat to South Korea, the United States, Japan, and others.

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