26-8-2023 (WASHINGTON) The United States, in a stern rebuke, has accused China and Russia of obstructing a united UN Security Council response to North Korea’s recent missile launches, including Pyongyang’s attempt to deploy a spy satellite into orbit on Thursday.
During an urgent Security Council meeting, a resounding consensus emerged among 13 of the 15 members, with all nations condemning North Korea’s second spy satellite test in just three months. This test employed ballistic missile technology, further heightening global concerns.
US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, expressed her dismay at the inability of the Security Council to present a united front in the face of this threat. She remarked, “This should be an issue that unifies us… But since the beginning of 2022, this Council has failed to live up to its commitments because of China and Russia’s obstructionism.”
Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the growing nuclear threat posed by North Korea, admonishing Russia and China for not fulfilling their responsibility to uphold international peace and security. She used the initials DPRK, which stand for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the official name of North Korea.
Furthermore, Thomas-Greenfield condemned the presence of Russian and Chinese officials at a North Korean military parade held last month, where new drones and nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles were showcased. She asserted, “They are celebrating – celebrating – violations of Security Council resolutions and continuing to block Council action.”
It’s worth noting that in May 2022, both China and Russia vetoed a resolution aimed at imposing fresh sanctions on North Korea. Since then, the Security Council has been unable to reach any consensus or issue a declaration regarding North Korea’s actions. The last time the Security Council acted cohesively on North Korea was back in 2017.
Chinese and Russian representatives shifted the blame to the United States for North Korea’s belligerent stance. They pointed to ongoing US military exercises with South Korea as a contributing factor.
North Korea, in its defense, has consistently maintained that its nuclear and satellite programs are essential for self-defense. North Korean Ambassador Kim Song reiterated this stance, adding that his country has never recognized UN Security Council resolutions concerning North Korea.
Thomas-Greenfield forcefully rejected this position, asserting, “We all know the truth: The DPRK puts its paranoia and selfish interests over the dire needs of the North Korean people.”
She further highlighted the disturbing nature of North Korea’s military apparatus, describing it as fueled by repression and cruelty. In her closing statement, Thomas-Greenfield underlined the gravity of this situation, declaring, “It’s shameful, and it’s a grave threat to global peace.”