North Korea ‘successfully’ launches BALLISTIC missile to increase NUCLEAR worries

In violation of United Nations resolutions, the hermit nation fired a medium to long range ballistic missile and according to state-run news agency KCNA, the weapon is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and the test was overseen by leader Kim Jong-Un.

KCNA added that the missile was fired at a high angle in consideration of the safety of neighbouring countries.

A White House official added the missile test meant Trump had to do more to pressure China, Kim’s biggest ally, into reigning in North Korean aggression.

In a press conference held with Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, Trump said the US stands behind the nation in the wake North Korea’s move.

He said: “I just want everybody to understand, and fully know, that the United States of America is behind Japan, our great ally, 100 per cent.”

A White House official added that the missile test meant Trump had to do more to pressure China, Kim’s biggest ally, into reigning in North Korean aggression.

Shinzo Abe said: “The testing of the missile is intolerable.”

The alarming act of military aggression comes little more than a week after Donald Trump’s defence secretary warned North Korea it would face an “effective and overwhelming response” if it chose to use nuclear weapons.

Stephen Miller, a senior adviser to Trump said: ”We are going to reinforce and strengthen our vital alliances in the Pacific region as part of our strategy to deter and prevent the increasing hostility that we’ve seen in recent years from the North Korean regime.

“These are complex and difficult challenges. And that’s why President Trump is displaying the strength of America to the whole world and it’s why we’re going to begin a process of rebuilding our depleted defence capabilities on a scale we have not seen in generations.”

South Korea and US officials said the missile flew east towards the Sea of Japan for about 500km (300 miles).

The South Korean military said: “The missile reached an altitude of about 550km (350 miles).”

This was the latest in a series of tests in the past year, including North Korea’s fifth of a nuclear device.