United Nations, June 1
The United States has said it would push for additional sanctions on North Korea if it detonates a new nuclear test.
US, South Korean and Japanese officials have said North Korea may soon conduct its first nuclear test in nearly five years.
On Thursday, China and Russia vetoed a United Nations resolution sponsored by the United States that would have imposed tough new sanctions on North Korea for launching intercontinental ballistic missiles that could be used to deliver nuclear weapons. The vote was 13-2 in the 15-member Security Council and marked the first serious split between the five veto-abiding permanent members over North Korea’s sanctions proposal.
US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield was asked Tuesday whether the US would seek new sanctions if North Korea conducts another nuclear test. “We absolutely will,” she said.
A joint Security Council imposed sanctions after North Korea’s first nuclear test explosion in 2006 and tightened them in a total of 10 resolutions – so far unsuccessfully – to curb its nuclear and ballistic missile programs by cutting back on its sources of revenue. .
Last Wednesday, North Korea launched its 17th round of missiles this year, increasing weapons testing that experts have said is part of a move to expand leader Kim Jong Un’s country’s arsenal and seek relief from existing sanctions. It is part of efforts to exert more pressure on its rivals. Other concessions.