USFK condemns N. Korea's missile launch as 'destabilizing'
People watch news on North Korea's ballistic missile launch at Seoul Station in central Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap
The U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) on Thursday denounced North Korea's recent ballistic missile launch as "unlawful" and "destabilizing," urging it to refrain from further provocations that violate U.N. security resolutions.
On Wednesday, North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles northeastward at around 8:10 a.m., which flew about 350 kilometers. The following day, the North confirmed the missile launch, saying it was intended to enhance its strategic deterrence.
"We are fully aware of the DPRK's multiple ballistic missile launches and their relentless pursuit of long-range missile capabilities," the USFK said in a statement, calling North Korea by the acronym of its formal name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
"The United States condemns these unlawful and destabilizing actions, and we call on the DPRK to refrain from further acts in violation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution," it said.
The USFK said it is closely consulting with South Korea and that its commitment to the South Korea-U.S. alliance remains "ironclad."
"Our focus is on maintaining the readiness required to defend the homelands. ... There is no substitute for being ready," it said.
The North's latest ballistic missile launch, the fifth such provocation this year and the first since President Lee Jae Myung took office in June, came ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit next week.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to visit South Korea on the occasion and hold talks with Lee.