The U.S. State Department stated late Wednesday that North Korea's attempt to launch a satellite violates several United Nations Security Council resolutions, adding that Washington seeks dialogue with Pyongyang "without preconditions." A department spokesperson noted in a statement that the United States has urged North Korea to refrain from "further threatening activities." The White House separately indicated that the door "is not closed" to diplomacy, but Pyongyang "must immediately stop its provocative actions and choose dialogue instead."
The White House stated that President Joe Biden's national security team is assessing the situation in close coordination with U.S. allies and partners, adding that all countries should condemn North Korea's rocket launch attempt. The White House further stated: "The United States strongly condemns the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) for the launch using ballistic missile technology, which, despite its failure, represents a blatant violation of several UN Security Council resolutions, increases tensions, and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region and beyond."
Official media reported that North Korea's second attempt to place an intelligence satellite into orbit failed on Thursday after the rocket booster encountered an issue during its third stage. Meanwhile, space authorities pledged to attempt again in October. The nuclear-armed state aims to place what would be its first military intelligence satellite into orbit, stating that it ultimately plans to establish a fleet of satellites to monitor U.S. and South Korean military movements.
It appears that the United States and other nations are concerned about satellite launches as much as they are about the weapon tests conducted by the nuclear-capable state. The White House asserted that the United States will take all necessary measures to ensure its security and defend its allies, South Korea and Japan.
