The United States condemned the missile test conducted by North Korea on Monday, describing it as a threat to its neighbors, according to the U.S. State Department. The department stated, "These launches violate numerous United Nations Security Council resolutions, just like other ballistic missile launches conducted by Pyongyang this year." Later, the White House reiterated the U.S. commitment to defending Japan and South Korea following North Korea's missile test. It added that U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke with South Korean National Security Office Director Cho Tae-Young and Japanese National Security Advisor Akiba Takio, all condemning the missile test as a "flagrant violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions."
**Meeting between China and North Korea**
On another note, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held high-level talks with North Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Pak Myong Ho in Beijing on Monday, coinciding with North Korea's missile launch capable of reaching any part of the United States. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated in a press release quoting Wang during his meeting with Pak that China always views its relations with North Korea from a strategic and long-term perspective. Wang indicated that Beijing is ready to enhance communication and coordination and deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields. Wang and Pak exchanged views on issues of "mutual interest," though the Chinese statement did not specify details. North Korea is officially China's only ally. The two countries, bound by a treaty signed in 1961, are required to take all necessary measures, including military, to assist each other in the event of an attack or an attempted attack by a third country. The Chinese statement quoted Pak as saying that North Korea will continue to strengthen cooperation with China "to protect common interests and maintain peace and stability in the region."
