North Korea's Baltic Missile Launch District: The US Make Sure South Korean And Japanese Belas Remain Open To Dialogue

Illustration of North Korea's ICBM missile launch. (Source: KCNA)

JAKARTA - The United States denounced North Korea's firing of ballistic missiles over Japan, calling it dangerous and reckless, pledging to defend Japan and South Korea, Washington's two allies, but said it remained open to dialogue with Pyongyang.

"This action destabilizes and demonstrates the DPRK's open neglect of United Nations Security Council resolutions and international safety norms," White House National Security Council spokesman Adrinne Watson said in a statement, referring to North Korea's official initials.

He said US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan spoke with his colleagues from Japan and South Korea to discuss "a precise and strong shared and international response."

Sullivan amplifies the "strong" US commitment to Japan and South Korea's defenses, saying Washington will continue efforts to limit North Korea's ability to advance its banned weapons program.

The missiles fired on Tuesday were the first to fly over Japan in five years, prompting warnings for residents to take shelter and temporary suspension of rail operations in the country's northern region.

Meanwhile, Daniel Kritenbrink, assistant secretary of the State Department for East Asia and Pacific affairs, said Washington remained open to dialogue with North Korea without preconditions, calling on Pyongyang to commit to serious and sustainable diplomacy, refraining from further destabilizing activities."

"Unfortunately, the only response we have seen so far is an increase in the number of ballistic missile launches and other provocative actions," he explained.

"This is not a productive path forward, both for North Korea and for all of us," he said.

Kritenbrink repeated the US assessment that North Korea's resumption of nuclear tests for the first time since 2017, possibly just awaiting political approval.

He said such "dangerous" actions would represent "serious escalation that threatens regional and international stability and security."

"It is in the best interest of the international community to ensure that the DPRK knows that such an action will come under unanimous criticism, that the only way towards peace and long-term stability is through negotiations," he stressed.

Kritenbrink added Washington would "firmly respond" to North Korea's growing threat and take all necessary measures, involving all elements of American national powers, in order to defend South Korea and Japan.