North Korea fired a missile Tuesday while their envoy to the United Nations was condemning the U.S. for its “hostile” policies towards the country.
The missile was fired from Jagang into the sea off the country’s east coast, Reuters reported.
The test came as North Korea’s U.N. envoy, Kim Song, was speaking at the U.N. General Assembly saying the U.S. needed to end its “hostile” policy, at which point the country would “willingly at any time” restart talks about its nuclear program, according to Reuters.
“But it is our judgment that there is no prospect at the present stage for the U.S. to really withdraw its hostile policy,” Kim said.
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said North Korea appeared to fire a ballistic missile and Japan was tightening its surveillance, The Associated Press reported.
“We regret that the missile was fired at a time when it was very important to stabilize the situation of the Korean peninsula,” South Korean defense ministry spokesman Boo Seung-chan said after North Korea’s test.
It was the third weapons test in September by North Korea, which has lashed out at the U.S. and South Korea for condemning the tests.
Tuesday’s test comes after South Korean President Moon Jae-in called in his U.N. address for a formal end to the Korean War. North Korea balked at the request, saying again that it would only talk once U.S. policy toward the country changes.
“I believe only when fairness and mutual respect can be maintained smooth communication between the North and the South can take place,” Kim Yo Jong, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s sister, said in regards to having another summit with South Korea.
However, Kim seemed to signal an openness for resuming international talks over the weekend.