Following the launch of an intermediate-range ballistic missile by North Korea, the defense ministers of the United States and South Korea held a telephone conversation on the evening of the 4th and agreed to strengthen deterrence against North Korea.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said North Korea fired a medium-range ballistic missile eastward from the vicinity of Mupyong-ri in Chagang Province on the 4th, with a flight range of about 4,500 kilometers. announced that it had reached



In response, South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop and US Secretary of Defense Austin held a telephone conversation on the evening of the 4th.



In it, four US and South Korean fighter jets each took part in precision bombing exercises, and stressed that they had "confirmed the capability and posture to attack the origin of North Korea's provocations."



On that basis, they agreed to respond to any provocation and to strengthen the combined defense posture.



In addition, the South Korean Ministry of Defense said on the 4th that North Korea is preparing to launch ICBMs (intercontinental ballistic missiles) and SLBMs (submarine-launched ballistic missiles), and that it is ready to conduct its seventh nuclear test. He pointed out that the degree could be strengthened.



South Korean media reports that the US and South Korean forces are considering the deployment of US military strategic weapons and missile launch training to counter North Korea, and the two countries will accelerate their nuclear and missile development. We are strengthening our restraint on North Korea.

UN Secretary-General ``Breach of Security Council resolution with reckless act''

UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement through his spokesman on the 4th, strongly condemning it as "a reckless act and a violation of UN Security Council resolutions."

He also expressed serious concern that "North Korea once again failed to pay any attention to international air and maritime security."



In addition, Secretary-General Guterres reiterated his call for North Korea to resume dialogue with key stakeholders in order to achieve the complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

US White House "Aiming for resolution through diplomacy and dialogue"

White House spokesman Jean-Pierre said, "We strongly condemn it," but added, "There is no change to the United States' position of seeking a solution through diplomacy and dialogue. We are prepared to continue serious diplomacy for progress," he said, emphasizing again that there will be no change to the existing policy.