US Calls For Diplomacy After Kim Jong Un's Spy Satellite Fizzles: 'Door Has Not Closed'

After Kim Jong Un's first spy satellite launch failed miserably on Wednesday, the U.S. sharply criticized North Korea's actions and called for diplomacy. 

What Happened: National Security Council spokesperson Adam Hodge, in a statement, said the Biden administration strongly condemns North Korea's use of ballistic missile technology that the U.S. and the United Nations have sanctioned. 

"The United States strongly condemns the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) for its launch using ballistic missile technology, which is a brazen violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions, raises tensions, and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region and beyond."

See AlsoUS Should Tell Kim Jong Un That Washington Will Use Nuclear Weapons Without ‘Hesitation:’ Trump-Era National Security Chief

Hodge argued that North Korea's apparent satellite launch on early Wednesday (local time) "involved technologies that are directly related to the DPRK intercontinental ballistic missile program."

The U.S. said President Joe Biden and his aides would monitor the situation "in close coordination" with their allies. It also urged other countries to condemn Pyongyang's launch and call on the North Korean dictator to engage in serious negotiations. 

"The door has not closed on diplomacy, but Pyongyang must immediately cease its provocative actions and instead choose engagement," Hodge said. 

See Also: Kim Jong Un's Mouthpiece Slams US-South Korea Summit: May Trigger ‘Worst-Ever…Nuclear War'

"The United States will take all necessary measures to ensure the security of the American homeland and the defense of our Republic of Korea and Japanese allies."

Why It Matters: In an apparent embarrassment for Kim, the rocket carrying North Korea's most anticipated spy satellite crashed into waters off the Korean Peninsula’s western coast after it lost thrust following the separation of its first and second stages.

The failure is a setback for Pyongyang, which has repeatedly sought to enhance military capabilities amid ongoing security tensions with the U.S. and South Korea.

Read Next: Trump Scratched ‘Made In South Korea’ Sticker Off Elton John CD Before Giving It To Kim Jong Un

Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs
Comments
Loading...
Posted In: NewsPoliticsGlobalGeneralJoe BidenKim Jong UnNorth Korea
Benzinga simplifies the market for smarter investing

Trade confidently with insights and alerts from analyst ratings, free reports and breaking news that affects the stocks you care about.

Join Now: Free!