US State Department on North Korea's ICBM Launch: "Unwavering Defense Commitment to Han"

The U.S. administration under Joe Biden reaffirmed its stance to continue diplomatic efforts toward North Korea while supporting South Korea's security in response to North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) provocations.

According to major foreign media on the 19th (local time), Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, said at a press briefing that "we do not respond to every provocative action by North Korea," adding, "We are committed to a diplomatic approach toward North Korea and urge North Korea to come to the dialogue." Miller further stated, "We hold no hostility toward North Korea," and emphasized, "Our defense commitments to South Korea and Japan are ironclad."

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

North Korea launched a missile presumed to be the solid-fuel-based ICBM Hwasong-18 into the East Sea yesterday, following launches in April and July. Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, observed the launch training and sent a warning message aimed at the U.S., saying, "This was an opportunity to clearly show that we are swiftly prepared for any action and what choices we will make when Washington makes a wrong decision against us."

The White House also pledged ironclad security for South Korea. John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House National Security Council (NSC), said at a briefing that "we take our defense responsibilities toward our allies Japan and South Korea seriously," adding, "We recognize the increasing threat posed by Kim Jong-un and his regime to the region and are doing everything we can to revitalize alliances and partnerships." He emphasized, "We remain willing to sit down unconditionally with Kim Jong-un to start talks on denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."

When asked about the strengthening relations among North Korea, China, and Russia, he criticized, "These three countries are ones that have bristled at the stable, rules-based order that the U.S. and our allies and partners have built since the end of the Cold War."

Regarding whether North Korea, which heavily depends on China, could supply weapons to Russia without China's approval, he responded, "While we have deep concerns about North Korea's actions in many respects, North Korea is a sovereign country capable of making its own decisions." He added, "We have seen no indication that China has acted to directly provide lethal military capabilities to Russia."

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