Missile Tests, Unannounced Launches by Democratic People’s Republic of Korea ‘Spreading Insecurity’ beyond Region, Security Council Hears in Debate
Following the fifth launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, on 18 December, Security Council members today called for de-escalation, political dialogue and diplomatic solutions for the Korean Peninsula, and a restoration of unity among the 15-nation Council.
Briefing the Council, Khaled Khiari, UN Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East and Asia and the Pacific, reported that the intercontinental ballistic missile flew a distance of 1,000 kilometres and reached an altitude of 6,500 kilometres before falling into the sea. Calling this launch a “serious concern”, he recalled that in November, that country carried out two successful tests of a new engine for a solid-fuel intermediate-range ballistic missile.
Noting that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea did not issue any airspace or maritime safety notifications, he emphasized that unannounced launches represent a serious risk to international civil aviation and maritime traffic. In that regard, he urged Pyongyang to embrace diplomacy — rather than choosing isolation — as the way forward, adding, “the lack of communication channels hinders the possibility of progress.”
In the ensuing debate, many Council members condemned the recent ballistic missile launches, emphasizing possible risks of disaster resulting from an accident or miscalculation, while some pointed to increased deterrence to the Korean Peninsula and the dispatch of strategic weapons.
The representative of France, noting that never before has the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea launched so many missiles, also drew attention to its illicit nuclear activities at the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site. Urging that country’s Government to prioritize the well-being of its population, she called for the resumption of political dialogue and negotiations.
Underscoring that his country continues to call for dialogue on any topic with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea without preconditions, the United States’ delegate observed that Pyongyang has refused an unconditional dialogue. He emphasized that Washington, D.C., and its allies are protecting themselves from that country’s nuclear weapons delivery systems, stressing that the only viable path forward is through diplomacy and denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
However, the representative of the Russian Federation noted that the pace of escalation on both sides on the Korean Peninsula is bringing the situation to a dangerous brink. She noted that the adoption of a draft resolution, prepared by China and Moscow, could contribute to the regional settlement process.
On this, the Republic of Korea’s representative stressed that the issue is no longer regional and has already been spreading insecurity to other parts of the world. Highlighting that Pyongyang’s nuclear threat has entered a new phase when the country adopted a law to lower the threshold for using nuclear weapons, he said it opened the door for a pre-emptive nuclear attack.
Meanwhile, Brazil’s delegate asserted that Pyongyang may be using intercontinental ballistic missile launches as “political signalling” to express its dissatisfaction about the military exercises in the region. Emphasizing that the main regional actors must dial down their rhetoric and actions, he said that Member States outside of the Council can play an active role in supporting de-escalation efforts.
The representative of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, calling the latest launch a “warning countermeasure”, stressed that had it not been for the United States and Republic of Korea’s provocation, which introduced a nuclear-powered submarine into the Korean Peninsula, Council members would not have to argue for and against the exercise of the right to self-defence of a Member State. “The biggest threat to international peace and security is coming from the Council itself,” he added.
While China’s delegate took note of Pyongyang’s recent missile launches, he highlighted the moves by a certain country to provide deterrence to its ally by dispatching strategic weapons to the Korean Peninsula. Underscoring the importance of building mutual political trust, he said that “if this vicious cycle of aggressive assertion of power cannot be broken, the Peninsula can see further escalations”.
NON-PROLIFERATION/DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Briefing
KHALED KHIARI, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East and Asia and the Pacific, reported that on 18 December Pyongyang launched a Hwasong-18 type intercontinental ballistic missile, which flew a distance of approximately 1,000 kilometres and reached an altitude of 6,500 kilometres before falling into the sea. Noting that this is the fifth launch of such a missile in 2023, he recalled that, in November, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea announced that it had carried out two successful tests of a new engine for a solid-fuel intermediate-range ballistic missile. “The launch of yet another ICBM [intercontinental ballistic missile] is of serious concern,” he said, emphasizing that despite numerous Security Council meetings on this matter, that country did not refrain from such launches.
Noting that Pyongyang did not issue any airspace or maritime safety notifications, he said that such unannounced launches represent a serious risk to international civil aviation and maritime traffic. Furthermore, on 21 November, that country successfully placed into orbit a reconnaissance satellite using ballistic missile technology, announcing it would launch “several reconnaissance satellites in a short span of time”.
To this end, he called on Security Council members to unite and make full use of the tools of dialogue and negotiation, while urging the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to embrace diplomacy, rather than choosing isolation, as the way forward. “I welcome the opportunity for all parties to speak, as the lack of communication channels hinders the possibility of progress,” he said, underscoring the importance of reinstating communication channels between military entities.
Turning to the humanitarian situation, he said that the United Nations is ready to provide assistance to Pyongyang’s vulnerable populations. Noting that international travel in and out of that country is taking place at a growing rate, he urged its Government to allow the re-entry and rotation of the international community, including the UN Resident Coordinator and UN agencies. “A collective return will significantly enhance international support for the people of the DPRK [Democratic People’s Republic of Korea] and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda,” he asserted.
Statements
ROBERT A. WOOD (United States) said his country continues to call for dialogue on any topic with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea without preconditions. “The United States and our allies are working to protect ourselves from the very nuclear weapons delivery systems the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is testing and has repeatedly stated are made for attacking us”. Most of this Council has condemned that country’s mounting threat to international peace and security. “Now it is on Russia and China to join us. To act as if their credibility as responsible permanent members depends on it.” Pyongyang must understand that the only viable path forward is through diplomacy and continued commitment to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The international community must make it crystal clear that its escalatory behaviour has consequences that affect every Council member and the broader UN membership. He urged all Council members to join his delegation in holding Pyongyang to account once and for all.
ALBANA DAUTLLARI (Albania), condemning the recent ballistic missile launches, noted that they put at risk people in Japan, the Republic of Korea and the region. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea continues to openly ignore the United Nations, the Security Council and the international community. Its regime is only seeking escalation, breaching international norms and rules. Condemning violations of the sanctions regime and urging implementation, she expressed regret that, with its inactivity, the Council has conveyed to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea that actions have no consequences. Noting the heavy cost of those actions on the country’s people, she called on its regime to reinstate the moratorium of intercontinental ballistic missile launches, reverse its weapons of mass destruction and nuclear programme, cease cyberattacks and human rights violations, reopen communication channels, and allow the return of UN staff, including the Resident Coordinator, to the country.
CLARISSE PAOLINI (France) said that never before has the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea launched so many missiles, including intercontinental ballistic ones. Furthermore, Pyongyang is continuing its illicit nuclear activities at the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site. Noting that the Council’s meeting must not be reduced to a “rhetorical exercise”, she added: “We cannot allow the reality of tomorrow’s world to be one of trivialized proliferation and increasing proliferation crises.” The progress in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s programmes represents a threat to regional stability and international non-proliferation architecture, she stressed, calling on that country’s Government to resume political dialogue and return to negotiations table. She also called on Pyongyang to prioritize the well-being of its population and speed up the reopening it its borders for the return of humanitarian personnel.
KAZUYUKI YAMAZAKI (Japan) said “it is high time to stop North Korea from making false claims. Now is the time for this august body to recall our heavy responsibility and restore the unity displayed in 2017”. He recalled that, in several other Council meetings on the same topic this year and in 2022, certain Council members expressed their views while blocking the Council from taking action. The Council unanimously adopted resolution 2397 (2017) and others, he said, adding that those resolutions are not merely designed to exert pressure or to punish Pyongyang but to fight against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. He called on all Member States to fully implement all relevant resolutions and demand that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea immediately and fully comply with all relevant resolutions, engage in diplomacy and resume substantive dialogue.
FRANCESCA MARIA GATT (Malta) said the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has violated multiple Security Council resolutions twice in less than 12 hours. The country's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes threaten regional stability and international peace while gravely undermining the non-proliferation regime. In 2023 alone it launched more than 30 ballistic missiles, including five intercontinental ballistic missiles. It has conducted 3 satellite launches and has engaged in technology and arms transfers with another country. All of these are in violation of multiple Council resolutions, she said, adding, “this is what happens when the Council fails to fulfil its responsibilities”. Calling on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to engage in meaningful dialogue towards denuclearization, she also expressed concern about the 10 million people thought to be in need of emergency aid in the country. Reopening of borders is essential to allow the re-entry of humanitarian staff, she said.
MOHAMED ISSA ABUSHAHAB (United Arab Emirates), condemning the recent launches of ballistic missiles, noted that it signals further advancements in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea’s capabilities. This is a continuation of the country’s pattern of defiance against international law, as it is becoming increasingly emboldened and threatening, both to its neighbours and the broader international community. Its failure to provide advance notice for its missile tests constitutes reckless behaviour, elevating the risk of accidental or miscalculated incidents. The Council’s handling of the issue is disappointing. The 15-nation organ must unite in urging the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to return to the negotiating table without preconditions, to commit to complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization, and to reengage with international treaties and obligations. Further, he called on that country to facilitate the expedited and unimpeded return of international aid organizations and UN staff.
JAMES KARIUKI (United Kingdom), condemning the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s launch of yet another intercontinental ballistic missile on 18 December, and the launch of a short-range ballistic missile a day prior, said this is its thirty-first ballistic missile launch this year. This demonstrates a flagrant disregard for the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. However, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea continues to be shielded by two Council members, further emboldening its unlawful behaviour. “This cannot become the status quo,” he said, calling on the country to abandon its illegal nuclear and ballistic weapons programmes, which are impoverishing its own people and destabilising the wider region. Also calling on that country to comply with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), he said diplomacy is the only viable option.
SÉRGIO FRANÇA DANESE (Brazil) expressed concern that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea may be using intercontinental ballistic missile launches as “political signalling” to express its dissatisfaction about the military exercises in the region. Furthermore, the lack of advance notice poses risks to commercial air and maritime traffic as well as to civilian populations. Noting that another year of tensions is coming to an end, he added: “We must begin the new year by recognizing that tensions have reached an unacceptable level and must be brought down”. Emphasizing that the main regional actors must dial down their rhetoric and actions, he urged the Council to explore new methods to build confidence and promote de-escalation. Member States outside of the Council can play an active role in supporting these efforts, he added.
CAROLYN ABENA ANIMA OPPONG-NTIRI (Ghana) deplored Pyongyang's latest launch and called on it to fully comply with its international obligations and Council resolutions by refraining from further launches with ballistic missile technology. She voiced grave concern about the risk of military confrontation, including as a result of unintended effects or miscalculation, and urged all concerned parties to take immediate and concrete actions to de-escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Meanwhile, the international community must implement pragmatic measures while simultaneously pursuing long-term engagement within a multilateral regional framework to restrict the weapons development programme of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. “It is time for regional actors to lead the effort to address the security and development challenges of the region,” she said, underscoring the importance of “regional solutions for regional problems”. The Council must embrace its responsibility with a unity of purpose to preserve the peace and lives of the people on the Korean Peninsula, she added.
DOMINGOS ESTÊVÃO FERNANDES (Mozambique) emphasized the importance of re-establishing communication channels, especially between military entities, to prevent unintended escalation. In the pursuit of peace, security and stability, he underscored the need for prudence and responsible actions by all stakeholders on the Korean Peninsula, urging parties to refrain from any unilateral actions. Practical measures, such as dialogue and cooperation, are crucial for maintaining regional peace and stability. The recent launch of intercontinental ballistic missiles by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has raised global concern, he said, pointing out that such weapons have the capability to reach most points on Earth. He urged that country to fully comply with its international obligations under relevant Council resolutions. Achieving nuclear disarmament remains a thorny issue, he said, stressing that “as we strive for a safer planet, let us remember that everyone’s actions contribute to the collective whole”.
EDWIGE KOUMBY MISSAMBO (Gabon), condemning the recent series of Pyongyang’s missile launches, expressed concern over a risk of disaster resulting from an accident or miscalculation. The potential consequences are too great for such risks to be taken on such a regular basis, she stressed, adding, “the language of missile launches is not a means of communication that this Council can accept”. She regretted that, despite declarations of intent by parties to resume talks on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s nuclear issue, no concrete proposal has been submitted to the Council. Deploring the lack of progress in talks since 2018, she said that diplomacy and negotiations remain the preferred path for achieving the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
PASCALE CHRISTINE BAERISWYL (Switzerland) said that Pyongyang’s launches violate legally-binding Council resolutions and thus international law. “It is therefore our collective duty to condemn the DPRK’s ballistic missile tests.” She suggested that the Council consider how it might further address the link between the nuclear programme and human rights abuses. Pyongyang’s pandemic-related restrictions should no longer be a major obstacle to humanitarian assistance, she said, adding that the opening of the country's borders must go hand in hand with rapid, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian aid and the entry of international personnel. She underscored the important role of the Council and the United Nations in encouraging dialogue, de-escalation and the search for diplomatic solutions. “To find a political solution, the Council must break its silence. To be effective, the call for dialogue should be articulated around a united position,” she said.
ANNA M. EVSTIGNEEVA (Russian Federation) said that the pace of escalation on both sides on the Korean Peninsula is bringing the situation to a dangerous brink. A group of delegations, led by the United States, has been equally active in requesting Council meetings on the issue. What cannot be explained is the inclusion of the United States among the so-called “victims” of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea’s provocations, she said, adding that the United States’ military machine is being actively deployed in the region in what looks like preparations for an offensive operation. “One wonders what steps on the part of Pyongyang the United States’ delegation would consider commensurate with such manoeuvres near its territory.” The draft of a Council political and humanitarian resolution, prepared by China and the Russian Federation, remains on the table, she said adding that its adoption could contribute to the regional settlement process.
GENG SHUANG (China) took note of Pyongyang’s recent missile launches, while highlighting the moves by a certain country to provide extended deterrence to its ally by dispatching strategic weapons to the Korean Peninsula. “If this vicious cycle of aggressive assertion of power cannot be broken, the Peninsula can see further escalations,” he said, underscoring the importance of building mutual political trust. Some countries’ efforts to pursue stronger political alliances and increase deterrence are counterproductive and aggravate tensions, he said, calling on the parties to exercise restraint and create conditions for talks to resume. “History has shown us that dialogue and negotiations are the fundamental way to resolve [the] inter-Peninsula issue,” he said, adding that a certain country should “face up to the cracks” of the issue, while the Council should facilitate talks rather than exert pressure.
ANDRÉS EFREN MONTALVO SOSA (Ecuador), Council President for December, speaking in his national capacity, said that the Council must send a unified and clear message regarding the obligations of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to comply with international law, the United Nations Charter and Council resolutions. Noting the increase in missile launches by Pyongyang in 2022, and which continued in 2023, he said that it is alarming that the Council remains unable to take concrete action. “Given the situation, I wonder, will the inactivity on this matter continue in 2024?” The Council must contribute effectively to preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, rather than incentivizing it. He supported all efforts geared towards establishing dialogue and cooperation leading to a diplomatic and peaceful solution that eases tensions and ensures a verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
Mr. WOOD (United States), taking the floor a second time and responding to the remarks made by the delegate of the Russian Federation, emphasized that his country is continuously raising the issue because of the repeated violations of Council resolutions by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The United States will continue to do so, as Council Members have a duty to raise issues in cases of such violations.
Turning to his country’s military activity in the region, he underscored that the long-standing exercises are defensive in nature and that United States will continue to defend itself and its allies. On the Russia-China resolution that would provide sanctions relief, he said it would reward the country for its threatening actions. “We do not believe that is the answer to try to convince the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to end its provocative behaviour,” he added.
Ms. EVSTIGNEEVA (Russian Federation), taking the floor a second time, called on the United States to prioritize political methods and dialogue and stop sabre-rattling and increasing tensions in the region.
Mr. WOOD (United States), responding, said that his country has tried on numerous occasions to have dialogue with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Noting that Pyongyang refused an unconditional dialogue, he said that the Council must act on that country’s violations and deal with its “reckless behaviour”.
SONG KIM (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) said that the United States and other hostile forces have persistently committed acts of military threats against his country throughout this year. The latest intercontinental ballistic missile launch by Pyongyang is a “warning countermeasure”. Washington, D.C., and a few allies blindingly following it, forcibly convened today’s meeting to unjustly deal again with his country’s legitimate exercise of the right to self-defence. Ten days ago, the United States vetoed a draft resolution on the settlement of the Middle East situation on the ground, saying it “failed to mention the right of Israel to self-defence.” That being the case, it is a mockery of and disregard for the UN Charter and the height of “tragicomedy”.
Had it not been for the intolerable provocation of the United States and Republic of Korea, which introduced a nuclear-power submarine into the Korean Peninsula, the representatives of Member States would not have sat in this room to argue for and against the just exercise of the right to self-defence of a Member State, he said. The biggest threat to international peace and security is coming from the Council itself. If double standards of the United States and its followers are allowed, the Council has no moral and legal qualifications to deal with issues related to international peace and security.
JOONKOOK HWANG (Republic of Korea), noting Pyongyang’s unprecedented number of ballistic missile and “so-called satellite” launches, expressed deep concern that the Council is “locked in a stalemate and being ridiculed by the DPRK”. This issue is no longer a regional one and has already been spreading insecurity to other parts of the world, he said, pointing to the presence of that country’s ammunitions and weapons in wars and conflicts, as well as attacks by “North Korean hackers” against banks and companies around the world. Highlighting that the nuclear threat posed by Pyongyang has entered a new phase, he said the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has officially indicated possible use of tactical nuclear weapons in 2022, and then passed a law in September that year which lowered the threshold for using nuclear weapons and opened the door for a pre-emptive nuclear attack.
“Against such a menacing and existential threat, the Republic of Korea has to, and will, take all necessary measures to protect the lives and safety of our people by maintaining a robust combined defence and deterrence posture,” he said. Nonetheless, it remains open to dialogue and negotiation without any preconditions. He urged the two permanent Council members who are hesitant to take additional sanctions measures against Pyongyang to “at least join us” in condemning Pyongyang’s continued provocations and continued development of its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, reaffirming the goal of complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and stressing the importance of the full implementation of all relevant Council resolutions. This is the absolute minimum a united Council must do.
https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15540.doc.htm
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