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United Nations Security Council (on May 19)
Photo: John Minchillo/AP
The United States failed for the time being with a resolution for stricter sanctions against North Korea in the UN Security Council.
Russia and China vetoed the passage of a US resolution in a vote in New York on Thursday.
The other 13 members of the highest UN body voted in favor of a US draft resolution that provided for new punitive measures against Pyongyang in response to the recent North Korean missile tests.
According to Western diplomats, a version of the resolution could come up again depending on North Korea's actions.
Missile tests on Wednesday
China's ambassador to the United Nations, Zhang Jun, called on the United States "not to limit itself unilaterally to the implementation of sanctions."
Instead, Washington should "also work for a political solution."
US officials had previously argued that the resolution aimed to weaken North Korea with punitive measures, which "further restricts North Korea's ability to advance its illegal weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs."
Among other things, the resolution contained sanctions against the North Korean hacker group Lazarus.
On Wednesday morning (local time), North Korea launched three ballistic missiles at short intervals towards the open sea in the east, one of which was apparently an ICBM.
In addition, there are increasing signs of an impending new nuclear test by North Korea.
US pledges support to Japan
The latest missile test came at a time of growing uncertainty in the region.
It was North Korea's 17th round of missile tests this year.
According to experts, the country wants to modernize its missile arsenal and possibly also increase the pressure on the United States to submit concrete negotiation proposals.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke to his Japanese counterpart Nobuo Kishi on Thursday about North Korea's recent missile tests.
The Pentagon said Austin reaffirmed "the unwavering commitment of the United States to the defense of Japan."
Austin spoke to South Korean Defense Minister Suh Wook on Wednesday.
bbr/dpa/AFP