Kim’s ICBM launch is test for tough Trump rhetoric
WASHINGTON — North Korea’s test launch Tuesday of what appeared to be an intercontinental ballistic missile marks a direct challenge to President Donald Trump, whose tough talk has yet to yield any change in Pyongyang’s behavior as the regime continues its efforts to build a nuclear weapon capable of striking the mainland United States.
The latest missile flew higher and remained in the air longer than previous attempts — enough to reach Alaska, experts said, in a major milestone for North Korea’s weapons program.
The test comes just before Trump will see key Asian leaders and Russian Pres- ident Vladimir Putin later this week. North Korea was already expected to be a main subject for meetings on the sidelines of the Group of 20 economic summit, but the test adds urgency to a widening U.S. campaign aimed at further isolating North Korea.
Trump responded to the missile test by applying rhetorical pressure on China, North Korea’s ally and eco- nomic lifeline, and by mocking North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un on Twitter.
“North Korea has just launched another missile. Does this guy have anything better to do with his life?” Trump asked in a message very shortly after the launch.
“Hard to believe that South Korea and Japan will put up with this much longer,” Trump continued. “Perhaps China will put a heavy move on North Korea and end this nonsense once and for all!” he has suggested that possi
The launch follows a string bility is remote. The United of recent actions by PyongStates will act alone if it must, yang, including a salvo of he has warned, though he missiles last month and three has not spelled out what tests in May. Kim has now exactly that would entail. launched more missiles in The Trump administraone year than his father and tion has recently leaned on predecessor in the family China to rein in North Korea dynasty did in 17 years in and curb illicit trade with the power. country, an international
North Korea has also con- pariah largely cut off from ducted five nuclear weapons the global financial system. tests since 2006, including Given that Japan and South two last year. The number Korea are within range of and variety of tests worry existing North Korean misexperts who see each step siles, Trump has also sought as part of a march toward to unite leaders of both a missile capable of striknations behind a strongly ing America’s West Coast. worded U.S. position that
The missile tests violate it will no longer tolerate the existing United Nations North’s provocations. and other sanctions, which On Tuesday, Russia and North Korea has found ways China jointly proposed that to evade. Although Trump North Korea put further and Secretary of State Rex nuclear and missile tests Tillerson have declared that on hold while the United the “era of strategic patience” States and ally South Korea with North Korea is over, refrain from large-scale milthe administration has not itary exercises. Both nations spelled out what that means. oppose North Korea’s nuclear
Tillerson has said Washing- weapons program. Both also ton might eventually negoti- oppose the U.S. anti-misate with North Korea under sile system being installed the right circumstances, but in South Korea.