NEWS STORY : Foreign Office Condemns North Korea Missile Tests

STORY

North Korea launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) on Monday, January 6th, 2025, marking its first missile test since early November 2024. The launch coincided with a visit to Seoul by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken for discussions on regional security and the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. The missile, launched from the Pyongyang area, flew approximately 1,100 km before landing in the Sea of Japan. This test is seen as a provocative act by North Korea, demonstrating its continued advancement of its missile capabilities despite international sanctions and condemnation.

The launch drew immediate criticism from South Korea, Japan, and the United States, with all three countries calling for North Korea to cease its missile development program and engage in meaningful dialogue. The United Nations Security Council is expected to convene an emergency meeting to discuss the launch and potential further actions. This latest missile test raises concerns about regional stability and the potential for further escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula. A Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement:

“DPRK’s ballistic missile launch on 6 January is another breach of multiple UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). Unlawful ballistic missile launches continue to destabilise the peace and security of the Korean Peninsula. The UK strongly urges the DPRK to stop such provocations, return to dialogue and take credible steps towards denuclearisation.”