S/PV.9336 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of the Republic of Korea to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I give the floor to Ms. DiCarlo. Ms. DiCarlo: At 6.37 a.m. local time on 31 May, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea launched what it described as a military reconnaissance satellite from the Sohae Satellite Launching Station. The rocket crashed off the Korean peninsula’s western coast after losing thrust following the separation of its first and second stages. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea attributed the failure of the launch to the low reliability of an unspecified new type of engine system and fuel. Official media said the country would conduct a second launch as soon as possible. On 30 May, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea sent a prelaunch notification to the International Maritime Organization. Other international organizations, including the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Telecommunication Union were not notified. As the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea affirms, it is the right of a sovereign State to launch a satellite and to benefit from space activities. However, Council resolutions expressly prohibit the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea from conducting any launches using ballistic missile technology. On 30 May, the Secretary-General strongly condemned the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s satellite launch using ballistic missile technology. He called on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to refrain from conducting further satellite launches using such technology and to swiftly resume dialogue to achieve the goal of sustainable peace and the complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. The last time the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea conducted a similar launch was on 7 February 2016. In its resolution 2270 (2016), the Security Council condemned that launch, in which ballistic missile technology was used, in violation of relevant resolutions. On 29 May, the Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers’ Party of Korea justified the need for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to launch a military reconnaissance satellite as a response to ongoing military exercises in the region. It should be recalled that developing a military reconnaissance satellite was part of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s five-year military development plan. That plan was unveiled during the eighth Party Congress, in January 2021, well before the resumption of military exercises in the region. In line with its five-year plan, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea greatly increased its missile launch activities in 2022 and 2023, including more than 80 launches using ballistic missile technology. Pyongyang characterized those launches as involving systems with nuclear weapon roles, including so-called tactical nuclear weapons. Further, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has continued to make references to the possible use of nuclear weapons since our most recent briefing (see S/PV.9305). Separately, we have been following reports that illicit cyberactivities attributed to actors affiliated with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea continue. According to the final report of the Panel of Experts submitted pursuant to resolution 2627 (2022), actors affiliated with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea stole more in cryptocurrency in 2022 than ever before. Key peace and security issues, such as the situation on the Korean peninsula, must be an area for cooperation. We welcomed the Security Council’s commitment, as expressed in resolution 2397 (2017), to a peaceful, comprehensive, diplomatic and political solution to the situation on the Korean peninsula. Diplomacy, not isolation, is the only way forward. However, the lack of unity and action in the Security Council is doing little to slow the negative trajectory on the Korean peninsula. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is unconstrained, and other parties are compelled to focus on military deterrence. I would like to highlight once again our concerns regarding the humanitarian situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The United Nations is ready to assist the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in addressing the basic needs of its vulnerable populations. We welcomed the return of diplomats from one Member State to Pyongyang on 27 March. We reiterate our call on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to allow the unimpeded entry of international staff, including the Resident Coordinator, and of humanitarian supplies, in order to enable a timely and effective response. Let me close by stressing that the Secretary- General remains firmly committed to achieving the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons. He welcomes the recent reaffirmation by the Republic of Korea of its commitment to its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

I thank Ms. DiCarlo for her briefing. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.

I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for her briefing. It is with considerable frustration that we find ourselves back in the Security Council to discuss yet another provocation by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s reconnaissance satellite launch on 31 May. The launch may have failed, but it was done in brazen violation of multiple Security Council resolutions, raising tensions and risking destabilizing the already sensitive security situation in the region and beyond. The Council cannot ignore the failed launches by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, as they enable the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to learn about its capability gaps and determine how to advance its unlawful programmes for weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missiles accordingly. Its intent, borne out by action and statement, is clear — to pose a threat to international peace and security. The launch not only disrupted maritime and air traffic in the region, but it also alarmed its neighbours in Japan and the Republic of Korea. The Council has a mandate to act in response to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s repeated and aggressive pattern of violations of multiple Security Council resolutions. And we have done so specifically in response to satellite launches by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. In both resolutions 2087 (2013) and 2270 (2016), the Council condemned the country’s tests of space launch vehicles because they use ballistic-missile technology and therefore violate those resolutions. The Council reaffirmed the freedom of all States to explore and use outer space in accordance with international law. The launch we saw this week, however, is undeniably in violation of international law. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is now threatening to conduct another launch “as soon as possible”. With the support of its two staunch defenders on the Council, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is trying to normalize its unlawful launches and assert that they are justified. There is nothing that provoked the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to conduct this week’s launch or threaten another one, except for its desire to perfect the technology that failed this week. We must not allow the unprecedented volume of the regime’s ballistic-missile launches over the past year and a half to wear us down. The United States remains committed to diplomacy, and we continue to urge the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to come to the table for meaningful negotiations without preconditions. But as long as the silence of the Council emboldens Pyongyang to disobey Security Council resolution obligations and seek to undermine the global non-proliferation regime, it will continue to choose ammunition over nutrition. Meanwhile, as Russia and China reaffirm their commitment to a diplomatic solution, they argue that a Council product, or even holding a Council meeting, are provocative actions. I would like to remind them that what we do here in the Security Council, at least when their obstructionism does not prevail, is diplomacy. China and Russia will likely once again attempt to draw false equivalences between unlawful ballistic- missile launches by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and lawful defensive and pre-announced joint military exercises by the United States and the Republic of Korea. Such false equivalences simply do not hold up under international scrutiny. Our lawful efforts to defend against the repeated escalatory actions by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea do not in any way justify its unlawful behaviour. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is simply using that as an excuse to enable it to advance its unlawful WMD and ballistic-missile programmes. In the face of the growing WMD and ballistic- missile threat from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the Council’s silence, it is unbelievable that two members of the Council expect the United States and its allies to stand idly by. Our commitments to our alliances are ironclad, and we will take all necessary measures to ensure our security. We call on all Council members to uphold the credibility of the Council, join us in condemning the unlawful behaviour and urge the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to refrain from following through on its stated plan to conduct another launch that will pose a further threat to international peace and security.

I thank Under-Secretary- General DiCarlo for the update. I will make a few quick points. First, Albania strongly and unreservedly condemns the launch of a military reconnaissance satellite by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea regime two days ago, the sixth of such attempts and the first since 2016. Secondly, while the launch failed, it is just another escalatory step by Pyongyang and a brazen violation of numerous Security Council resolutions. I will not enumerate them all, because there are simply too many. Thirdly, with its egregious and reckless behaviour, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea continues to openly defy the United Nations, the Security Council, the international community as a whole and the established norms and rules. It is only seeking provocation, destabilization and escalation, including by announcing that it will soon proceed to another satellite launch. Fourthly, every time the Council is prevented from taking action, the regime feels more empowered to continue on the same path. As we have seen in the course of the past two years, the recipe is working. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea shows only increasing disregard and contempt for the Security Council and its decisions because it feels protected — and because it is indeed protected. That is utterly wrong, and it goes against what the Council stands for. We regret that the voice of a majority of the members of the Council calling for a clear and strong reaction to the illegal, unprovoked and reckless actions by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea continues to be ignored. If the Council continues to tolerate the indefensible actions of North Korea now, it will be even harder to react and act later. Unless that is our real goal, we should break this deafening silence. We reiterate that by its inaction, the Security Council has conveyed to the warmongers in North Korea that for them actions have no consequences. We should not wait for the worst to happen to do something that may prove to be too little, too late. Through its inaction on the matter, the Council is failing to make the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s regime understand the limits of its unacceptable policies and behaviour. It is failing to help open an avenue of negotiations, which is the only way to properly address and contribute to resolving the crisis. It is failing to reassure neighbouring countries, including the people of Japan and the Republic of Korea. And it is failing to fulfil its core duty and responsibility. It is eroding its own credibility. Finally, it is failing to explain to the wider United Nations membership how the continued, open and defiant disregard of multiple Security Council resolutions by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is contributing in any way to peace and security. It is therefore time to speak up and unite around “enough is enough”. The people of North Korea do not need more weapons, the region does not need more provocations and the world does not need more dangerous escalations. What is needed are talks, through good-faith diplomacy, to ensure a full, transparent, comprehensive and irreversible end to weapons of mass destruction, ballistic and nuclear programmes. That is the only way to help North Korea become a normal country and start developing and progressing. The Security Council can help in that respect but only if it decides to speak with one voice and deliver a united and clear response.

I thank Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo for her informative briefing on the complicated situation currently confronting the world. Ecuador strongly condemns the attempt by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to launch a military reconnaissance satellite on 31 May. The technologies used for space launch capabilities and ballistic-missile systems are essentially the same in many respects. That is why that act is further evidence of the flagrant violation by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea of Security Council resolutions that prohibit launches using ballistic-missile technology. We urge it to refrain from further attempts to launch military reconnaissance satellites and to abandon its nuclear and ballistic-missile programme. Ecuador would like to remind the Council of the importance of the basic principles related to the peaceful use of outer space, as set out in the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies. We also want to highlight resolution 77/250, adopted by the General Assembly at its current session, which proclaims that it is a historical responsibility of all States to ensure that the exploration of outer space is carried out exclusively for peaceful purposes for the benefit of mankind. That resolution was sponsored by major world Powers. The resolutions of the Security Council are a basis for the re-establishment of peace and stability in the region, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea should fully comply with them. My delegation therefore reiterates that through resolution 2397 (2017), which was adopted unanimously, the Council expressed its determination to take further meaningful steps in response to any new launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The Security Council must take action and speak with one voice in response to the responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security conferred on it by the Charter of the United Nations. In conclusion, Ecuador urges for refraining from all provocations and warmongering rhetoric. We encourage the deepening of cooperation and dialogue, based on good faith and international legality, with the aim of reducing and ending the tensions on the Korean peninsula.

The United Kingdom condemns the reckless failed satellite launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on 31 May. Let me be clear. The launch had nothing to do with the peaceful uses of outer space. It was a military reconnaissance satellite and it used ballistic- missile technology to launch. As such, it was a further violation of the Council’s resolutions. It follows nine other sets of ballistic-missile tests since the start of 2023, including a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic- missile test in April  — all part of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s reckless pursuit of the advanced nuclear and ballistic-missile capabilities with which it seeks to threaten its neighbours. While the launch failed, it caused alarm for the people of Japan and the Republic of Korea. But it is the North Korean people who bear the highest costs of those launches, as their Government diverts resources away from people’s basic economic needs. That behaviour is unacceptable. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea continues to flout the international non-proliferation architecture and poses a great threat to global peace and security. We understand that it intends to repeat the failed launch as soon as it can. The United Kingdom is ready to work urgently with all Council members to send a united message to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. We continue to urge all Member States to fully implement the existing resolutions and to counter the continued development of the illegal weapons programmes of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Once again, we urge the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to cease those launches, return to dialogue and take credible steps towards denuclearization and peace on the Korean peninsula.

I too thank Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing. North Korea’s series of actions, including the most recent launch using ballistic-missile technology, threaten the peace and security of Japan, the region and the entire international community. All of these are flagrant violations of the relevant Security Council resolutions. Japan joins the Secretary-General in strongly condemning North Korea for the launch, against the relevant Security Council resolutions. Let us be clear. This is not about whether it was a satellite or not or if the launch failed or not. This is about yet another violation of the resolutions of the Council. The launch uses ballistic-missile technology, which the Council has prohibited in order to stop North Korea’s unlawful development of nuclear weapons and their means of delivery. Space launch vehicles use technology identical to that used for ballistic missiles, which can mount nuclear warheads. We are not discussing the peaceful use of outer space or legitimate security concerns. Regardless of whether it is a missile or a military satellite, and regardless of whether it succeeds or fails, it is a violation of the Council’s resolutions. What we should not overlook is that North Korea has clearly stated its intention to violate the resolutions once again. It has announced that it will soon launch another military reconnaissance satellite after the failure. I urge all Council members to join the call of the Secretary-General to cease such acts. It is disrespectful to the Council and the Charter of the United Nations. The last time we gathered in the Chamber to discuss the North Korean non-proliferation file, I reminded fellow colleagues of North Korea’s five-year military plan (see S/PV.9305). The plan includes the launch of military reconnaissance satellites. Here is what we have been witnessing. First, we have seen North Korea’s steady implementation of its long-pursued nuclear and missile programmes, and military satellite launches are part of them. Secondly, we have seen continued silence and inaction on the part of the Council in the face of North Korea’s repeated violations. Thirdly, we have seen North Korea taking full advantage of the Council’s silence and inaction. Some argue that the Council should not meet. They contend that the Council should not provoke North Korea and should instead seek to ease tensions, or that silence and self-restraint will contribute to calming the situation. That is simply wrong. As I have repeatedly said, our silence has only encouraged  — and will continue to encourage  — rulebreakers to write the playbook as they like. What all of us here are entrusted to do by all the States Members of the United Nations is to fulfil our heavy responsibility to maintain international peace and security, and not turn our eyes away from violations of the Council’s own resolutions. Last but not least, it is also a source of great regret that we see the North Korean regime continue to spend huge resources on its unlawful nuclear and missile programmes while sacrificing the welfare of people in North Korea. If the money spent on launching the military satellite had been spent on the people instead, how many of them would have been fed? Again, Japan urges North Korea not to conduct further launches and once again urges North Korea to immediately and fully comply with all relevant resolutions and to engage in diplomacy and accept the repeated offers of dialogue. I also urge all Council members and Member States to join that call.

Malta strongly condemns the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s attempted launch of a military satellite that occurred on Wednesday, 31 May. Those latest developments show that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea continues to develop and improve its ballistic missile capabilities in open defiance of Security Council resolutions. Those activities must stop at once. Although the test conveyed last Wednesday failed, it is important to underline the fact that Security Council resolutions do not distinguish between successful launches and failed attempts. Such actions remain a flagrant violation and show a concerning pattern of reckless behaviour by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, undermining global non-proliferation efforts and advancing its programmes. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s constant and complete disregard for its obligations under Security Council resolutions undermines international peace and security. It is crucial that the entire United Nations membership, especially members of the Security Council, speak out and demonstrate that such actions will never be accepted. Malta calls upon Pyongyang to completely, verifiably and irreversibly abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and to return to full compliance with its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as a non-nuclear-weapon State. We urge the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to cooperate promptly with the International Atomic Energy Agency in the full and effective implementation of the Agency’s comprehensive safeguards, including all necessary safeguards activities provided for in the safeguards agreement. We also urge the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to sign and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Malta regrets that the Council stands frozen regarding the responses to any of the intercontinental ballistic missile launches witnessed over the past year. In that regard, Malta recalls resolution 2397 (2017) as a reminder that we have the duty to take action to maintain regional and international peace and security. Doing nothing or not reacting to those unlawful actions by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea would mean normalizing violations in the face of the Council. It would mean accepting that we are powerless to react to proliferation crises around the globe. Malta’s concern for the humanitarian situation faced by the population of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea continues. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s blatant violations of international law divert resources from its people, prevent its economic development and undermine the welfare of its population. Malta calls on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to faithfully engage with the United Nations and the international humanitarian system, as well as to enable and facilitate humanitarian assistance to reach those in greatest need across the country. In conclusion, I reiterate that everyone at this table has a shared objective: peace and the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. Divisions and inaction among members of the Security Council will only push us away from fulfilling our duty. At the same time, Malta calls on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to cease all actions that raise tensions and instead choose the path of dialogue.

I thank Ms. DiCarlo for her briefing. On 31 May this year, a North Korean military satellite crashed into the sea off the coast of South Korea, along with its space launcher. That attempted launch is yet another flagrant violation of international law and Council resolutions. France strongly condemns that new provocation. The Council has called on North Korea on numerous occasions since 2009 to refrain from activities related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches of ballistic missiles and space launchers. Given the close similarity of the technologies used in space launches and ballistic missile launches, the most recent launch is clear evidence of the continuation of North Korea’s programme in defiance of Security Council decisions. It demonstrates the determination to continue the escalation of recent months, which has included an increase in the number of launches and irresponsible statements by Pyongyang. The Council cannot remain inactive and must respond in unison to that new violation of its own resolutions. We cannot accept North Korea becoming a nuclear State. France will not accept the trivialization of such a threat to regional and international peace and security. We underscore our determination to pursue the objective of the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of North Korea. We urge North Korea to comply with its obligations without delay and to return to the negotiating table by following up on the offers of dialogue extended to it on several occasions. Together with its European and international partners, France is fully mobilized to ensure the implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions and to combat, in particular the circumvention of sanctions.

I thank Under- Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing to the Council and welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea in this meeting. Ghana is gravely concerned by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s launch of a military satellite on 31 May, in contravention of multiple Security Council resolutions. We deplore the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s latest actions and call on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to fully comply with its international obligations under all relevant Security Council resolutions and to take immediate and concrete steps to de-escalate the tensions on the Korean peninsula by refraining from further launches with ballistic missile technology. The launch of a military satellite is yet another disturbing confirmation of the dramatic acceleration of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s weapons programme. It is also a worrisome reflection of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s resolve to accomplish its 2023 strategic goals set out at the sixth plenary meeting of the eighth Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, held in January this year. With its latest launch, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has now attempted to accomplish two of those key strategic goals  — that is, the launch of a military satellite and the test of a solid- fuel intercontinental ballistic missile. The 2023 final report of the Panel of Experts of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006) (see S/2023/171) makes it clear that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is working assiduously to accomplish its third key strategic goal, which is to exponentially increase the production of nuclear weapons, particularly the mass production of smaller tactical nuclear weapons. We therefore regret that, in the midst of all of those rapidly changing developments that threaten international peace and security, the Council has not been unified in its response, despite the numerous meetings held on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea this year and last year. We encourage all members of the Council to embrace a unified and different approach in order to obtain different results with our engagement on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea file in our common objective to achieve concrete progress in furtherance of peace and security on the Korean peninsula. We believe that a principled and pragmatic approach based on diplomacy, dialogue and trust-building is needed to incrementally foster conditions that allow for constructive engagement between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and major stakeholders on its weapons programme. While different stakeholders may have different interests on the situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, it must be obvious that a nuclearized Korean peninsula is in no one’s interest. We must therefore work collaboratively to strengthen the unity of the Council on this matter and act faithfully on behalf of all Member States who have entrusted us with the powerful mandate to maintain international peace and security.

I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing. The Security Council is meeting once again this afternoon, following another launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea of a military device, which crashed off the coast of the Korean Sea. The launch of a reconnaissance satellite confirms the escalation of tensions on the Korean peninsula. And the trajectory of that launch proves that we are by no means safe from a risk that could lead to irreparable damage. My country condemns that launch of a military satellite, which poses a threat to the security of neighbouring countries, and calls for de-escalation to put an end to this terrifying cycle for the people of, and merchant shipping around, the Korean peninsula, as well as for strict respect for the relevant resolutions of the Council. As a State party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, my country is against the development, use or threat of use of nuclear weapons. And we observe with great concern the dangerous trend towards the trivialization and acceptance of nuclear risk in conflicts between Powers. Indeed, the current context, which is marked by a hardening and radicalization of positions, is likely to lead certain States to reconsider their positions of neutrality in terms of military defence or nuclear equipment. Such an outcome would be highly damaging to all the efforts already made in the field of non-proliferation and could generate renewed interest in those weapons of mass destruction. It would run counter to the will expressed by a large majority of States Members of the United Nations to establish nuclear-weapon-free zones. It is important for the Council take a more serious look at the untenable security situation on the Korean peninsula. Above all, it is fundamental and urgent for all the parties to engage in good-faith dialogue to find a definitive solution that can guarantee security and peaceful coexistence in the region.

We thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing and welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea at today’s meeting. The sirens that went off a few days ago in Seoul and Okinawa remind us of the potentially grave impact that an accident linked to the numerous missile tests could have on the civilian population. Those sirens are a warning signal, given the tense security situation that is exacerbated by each missile launch. Switzerland notes with great concern the high frequency of those launches and welcomes the convening of this meeting. The Council must not remain passive in the face of those tests which, together with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s nuclear programme, constitute a threat to the international community. Allow me to emphasize three points. First, any launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea using ballistic missile technology is a violation of the resolutions of the Council. The fact that the most recent rocket was intended to put a military observation satellite into orbit rather than to carry a weapon of mass destruction, and that there was advance notification of the trajectory whereas the launches of recent years were unannounced, does not change the fact that it is a violation of international law. In these circumstances, it is our collective duty as members of the Council to condemn this most recent launch and to respond to it. We also call on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to renounce any future launch attempts. Secondly, while the obligations arising from the relevant resolutions apply primarily to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, they also apply to all Member States, which are required to effectively implement the sanctions of the Security Council. As members of the Council, and in the context of our commitments as States parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, we all have an obligation to combat the proliferation of nuclear weapons and must commit ourselves to disarmament and to maintaining the nuclear taboo. Thirdly, we must not forget the plight of the people of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The heavy restrictions put in place by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in connection with the pandemic are still seriously hampering international humanitarian aid. Following the announcement by the World Health Organization declaring that the coronavirus disease pandemic no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, we hope that the borders of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea will be opened up to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. We therefore welcome the fact that the Council, through its Committee established pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006), has agreed to update the note detailing the implementation of resolution 2664 (2022) in the context of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The Council plays a vital role in encouraging dialogue, de-escalation and the search for diplomatic solutions. Those are instruments that are essential to facilitating the implementation of a peaceful and comprehensive solution to the situation on the Korean peninsula. We have a shared responsibility and a common goal in that regard and remain committed to the Council being able to speak with one voice on this issue.

Let me start by wishing you, Sir, and the United Arab Emirates team a very successful month ahead at the helm of the Security Council. Rest assured of Mozambique’s support and collaboration whenever needed. Let me also reiterate our congratulations to Switzerland for its accomplished stewardship of the Council during the month of May. I thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her update. I also acknowledge the presence in this meeting of the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea. Over the years, the situation in the Korean peninsula has become very sensitive and a serious cause for concern. Mozambique reiterates the importance of new technologies to improve the quality of life of human beings and not to aggravate crises and instability. The launch of yet another satellite by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, although unsuccessful, confirms the persistence of tensions in the Korean peninsula, which could lead to miscalculation and confrontation, as well as to the erosion of compliance with non-proliferation regimes in the region. As we have repeatedly stated in the Chamber, including during the previous briefing on the issue in April (see S/PV.9305), Mozambique reiterates its call on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to abide by the resolutions of the Security Council and to cooperate in de-escalating an already tense situation. We also remain concerned about the lack of progress and changes in the status quo despite repeated meetings of the Council. We call on the Security Council to fulfil its responsibilities by engaging in efforts towards the resumption of dialogue. Diplomatic engagement and the window of opportunity to persuade the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to desist from provocative acts and to return to the negotiating table should be considered. Given the heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula and the fact that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is continuing to show resolve in continuing to develop its technical and technological capabilities, avenues for dialogue must be pursued and preserved. In conclusion, we call on the Council to use its primary role and mandate in the maintenance of international peace and security to encourage dialogue, de-escalation and the search for diplomatic solutions.

At the outset, allow me to thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her informative briefing. I welcome the Republic of Korea to this meeting. Brazil deplores the use of ballistic missile technology in the latest launch of a rocket by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on 31 May. While recognizing the right of all countries to pursue peaceful space programmes, Brazil also stresses the need for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to fully comply with all of its obligations under Security Council resolutions and under international law more broadly. According to several reports, the Chollima-1 rocket used similar engines to those used in the liquid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-15, which represents a clear violation of operative paragraph 2 of resolution 2094 (2013), which prohibits the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea from conducting any further launches that use ballistic missile technology. We welcome the fact that this time a pre-launch notice was issued to the International Maritime Organization, as a means to mitigate risk to civilian populations in the Republic of Korea and in Japan, as well as to maritime and air traffic in the region. However, such notification does not set aside the illegality of the latest launch. The alarm raised by this launch is yet another illustration of the dangerous state of this file, where miscalculation by any party could have drastic consequences. The latest mobilization of military assets for possible missile intercepts, even if defensive in nature, shows how the region is on a hair trigger. Tensions must be dialled down. Brazil will continue to make all efforts to promote engagement that can contribute to lowering tensions and reducing the risks of escalation. As we have said before, dialogue is important among friends, but it is essential among rivals. We continue to be convinced that engagement, not isolation, remains our best path towards a Korean peninsula that is peaceful, stable and free of nuclear weapons.

At present, the Korean peninsula is experiencing increasing tensions and confrontation, about which China expresses its concern. The situation on the peninsula, as of today, is not without a cause. All parties should look at not only its symptoms, but also the heart of the matter; not only what is happening today, but also what happened yesterday; not only the actions of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, but also the words and actions of all parties. The Korean peninsula issue, as a remnant of the Cold War, has been protracted for decades, and its crux and context are crystal clear. For decades, the peace mechanism has been missing on the peninsula. The legitimate security concerns of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea have long remained unresolved. Mutual trust between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the United States has been seriously lacking, and the two sides have repeatedly fallen into a bizarre cycle of dialogue, de-escalation, stalemate, confrontation and escalation of tensions. There were moments of hope on the issue, including the 1994 Agreed Framework, the 19 September joint statement by six parties in 2005 and the 2018 Singapore Declaration. At those times, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea actively engaged in dialogue with the United States and generally complied with the agreements. In contrast, the United States failed to abide by the principle of commitment for commitment and action for action and returned to its old path of sanctions and pressure on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, which led to a reversal and deterioration of the situation and a missed opportunity to resolve the issue. In recent years, by incorporating the peninsula into its Indo-Pacific strategy, the United States has continued its military activities and significantly increased its military presence, both on the peninsula and in its surrounding areas, seriously undermining the strategic security interests of the peninsula and its neighbouring countries. Just over a month ago, the United States and the Republic of Korea issued the Washington Declaration, expressing their intention to strengthen extended deterrence and even planning to send strategic nuclear submarines to the peninsula. The United States’ approach represents a disregard for the concerns of other countries and is totally driven by its geopolitical self-interest through which it is bent on exploiting the issue to create tension on the peninsula. Such practices by the United States reflect a Cold War mentality, serve only to provoke bloc confrontation and undermine the strategic security interests of other countries and run counter to the goal of maintaining peace and stability and promoting the denuclearization of the peninsula. The current situation on the peninsula is fraught with tension, fragility, complexity and sensitivity. The more that is the case, the more important it is for all parties to maintain calm and restraint, avoid mutual provocation and prevent the situation from escalating or even getting out of control. The more that is the case, the more important it is for all parties to stay committed to diplomatic efforts and achieving a political settlement and strive to address their legitimate concerns through a resumption of meaningful dialogue. The more that is the case, the more important it is for all parties to focus on the big picture and the long term and promote the denuclearization of the peninsula and the establishment of a peace mechanism on the peninsula in a synchronized manner based on a dual-track approach. Some countries have repeatedly indicated that the Security Council must not remain indifferent to the status quo of the peninsula, but should play a constructive role. China shares that view. How can the Security Council play a constructive role? Is it constructive to point a finger at one party and to put all the blame on one party? Obviously, it is not, as that will only exacerbate conflicts and provocations and inject new uncertainties into the already tense situation on the peninsula. The Council’s constructive role should be demonstrated by its efforts to promote de-escalation, mutual trust and unity. The starting point for the draft resolution on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, co-sponsored by China and Russia, is to resolve difficulties in the livelihoods of the people of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, demonstrate goodwill and positive signs, create conditions for resuming dialogue and turning the situation around and promote a political solution to the peninsula issue, which we hope all parties will consider positively. Finally, I must point out that, on one hand, the United States calls for denuclearization of the peninsula on the pretext of non-proliferation. On the other hand, it is upgrading its nuclear umbrella, cooperating with some other countries on nuclear submarines and transferring tons of weapons-grade enriched uranium to non-nuclear-weapon States, which is a typical example of double standards. Such cooperation does nothing but undermine the global non-proliferation regime, stoke an arms race, threaten regional peace and security and adversely affect the denuclearization process of the peninsula and thus must be stopped.

We listened to the statement by Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, and we are surprised that neither today nor in the statement made by the Secretary-General related to the launch did we hear a single word about the fact that the growing military activity by the United States, the Republic of Korea and Japan in North-East Asia is having a destructive influence on the region. That is obvious, yet, at the same time, that important circumstance is fully ignored by the Secretariat. The Secretariat should adopt an impartial and objective stance. Other unrelated topics, such as, for example, the accusations concerning the cyberactivity of Pyongyang were mentioned in the briefing. The Russian Federation has consistently advocated a comprehensive consideration of the situation on the Korean peninsula in the Security Council and ensuring that all factors impacting the situation be considered in a balanced manner. Attempts to paint a one-sided picture of events, as we saw today on the part of some of the delegations, are, in our view, very counterproductive and at variance with the goals with which the Security Council members are entrusted, namely, to be impartial and objective when reacting to threats to international peace and security. They only take us further away from resolving all of the issues on the Korean peninsula. Recently, the situation in the subregion has deteriorated significantly. We have repeatedly pointed out the root cause of the current spiralling tensions  — the desire of the United States and its allies to increase pressure on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea within the framework of the concept of the so-called “extended deterrence”. The extremely negative consequences of continued military exercises in the subregion should already be obvious to everyone, but Washington has no intention of slowing down there. On 25 May, the United States and South Korea conducted live-fire drills not far from the border with North Korea, in which, according to media reports, 2,500 troops and about 610 weapons systems, including fighter jets, attack helicopters, drones, tanks and artillery, took part. Moreover, those exercises are only the first of a series planned to be completed before mid-June. They are called “combined annihilation firepower drills”. And, as was also the case in spring and earlier United States-South Korea military exercises, they were unprecedented in scale. It is evident that such actions do not contribute to the de-escalation of tensions in the subregion, and the situation, as we have stated time and time again, continues to follow a vicious circle. Such actions are destabilizing — not only for the situation in North-East Asia and the Asia-Pacific region as a whole. Its continued militarization and undisguised attempts to create new demarcation lines there have a negative impact on global stability. Another example of that is the recent United States-South Korean agreements on the use of nuclear weapons, which will only further escalate tensions and provoke an arms race. Russia has consistently spoken out against any military activity that threatens the security of the Korean peninsula and that of the countries of Northeast Asia. Similarly, we also oppose the dead-end and inhumane policy of increasing sanctions pressure. Separately, we note that unilateral restrictions not only trample on the sovereignty and legitimate interests of Member States and run counter to the norms and rules of international trade, but they also undermine the integrity of restrictions agreed by the Security Council. I once again recall that the Security Council resolutions on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea seek to find ways to resolve the situation on the Korean peninsula through political and diplomatic means. As we can see, there is no acceptable alternative. In that regard, we again draw the Council’s attention to the Russian-Chinese action plan for a comprehensive settlement of the situation on the Korean peninsula. That plan includes concrete steps by the States involved in various areas. Obviously, it would require a mutually respectful dialogue that takes into account the legitimate concerns and rights of all States involved, including, obviously, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. We note the readiness for dialogue pointed out by the United States representative, but we are not certain that Washington is genuinely ready to have a constructive discussion with Pyongyang. That can be seen in the history of American diplomacy in the Korean dossier over the past decades, as well as through the practical steps undertaken by the United States. We call on Washington to undertake specific steps to lower tensions and resume dialogue instead of trying to shift responsibility to other countries. We remain convinced that the Security Council can also play a positive role if its discussions are constructive and comprehensive and the proposed products seek genuinely positive results. In that regard, we note the Russian-Chinese draft of a political and humanitarian resolution, which remains on the table.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the United Arab Emirates. I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for her informative briefing and we welcome the participation of the Republic of Korea in today’s meeting. The United Arab Emirates joins the Secretary- General in his strong condemnation of the military satellite launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. These events are of great concern. Though the satellite launch rocket failed on 31 May, officials from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea have vowed to undertake a second launch as soon as possible. We reiterate that any launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea using ballistic missile technology is prohibited by the Security Council, and we strongly urge them to desist from their unlawful, dangerous and provocative activities. The United Arab Emirates would like to emphasize the following points regarding this latest launch. First, civilians cannot continue to be at the mercy of the ongoing threats. We note that some advance warning of the intended satellite launch was provided on this most recent occasion. That may have reduced risks to neighbouring countries to some degree, but such warnings neither legitimize nor minimize the illegality of the launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The fear and danger imposed on the people of the Republic of Korea and Japan as a result of those actions is unacceptable and unjustifiable. We stand in solidarity with the Governments and the people of those countries and the wider region. Secondly, we reiterate our call for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to comply with Security Council resolutions and international law. The United Arab Emirates recognizes that satellites can be used by States for peaceful purposes. However, due to past actions, the Council prohibited the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea from any launches using ballistic missile technology, regardless of the goal, because such launches may help accelerate its illegal programme of weapons of mass destruction. Reporting suggests that the objective of this most recent launch was to put the country’s first military reconnaissance satellite into orbit. We are reminded of the pledge the country’s leader has made to accelerate its so-called five-year military plan to, in the words of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, “fight a war at the highest level”. This is of great concern considering the nuclear weapons and intercontinental capabilities that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has been developing at pace. We call on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to return to diplomacy and dialogue for talks in any format. Enacting a complete, verifiable and irreversible path to denuclearization, including a return to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, without delay, must be the way forward for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the international community. The role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in verifying those objectives is critical. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea should adhere to the IAEA’s safeguards and allow for the Agency’s inspectors to return to the country. Thirdly, the United Arab Emirates remains deeply troubled by the humanitarian situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Reports of a worsening food shortage, coupled with severe weather conditions and the country’s decision to keep its borders closed to humanitarian organizations, is estimated to put as much as 60 per cent of the country’s population at grave risk of malnutrition. That has purportedly increased by 20 per cent in the past three years. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has acknowledged the need for humanitarian assistance, but has not created an enabling environment for aid delivery, including by not allowing United Nations personnel to return to the country. Ultimately, it is the people of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea who are suffering, and we urge the Government to invite humanitarian organizations back to the country to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance. It is the people of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea who require the Council’s support at this time. In conclusion, we recall that when the Council was united on this issue in the past, it was capable of curbing the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s unlawful pursuit of nuclear weapons. The United Arab Emirates urges the Council to find such unity again and speak with one voice to address this situation. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. The representative of the United States of America has asked to make a further statement.

I apologize for taking the floor, and I promise not to be very long in responding to a few of these charges. First, I would like to note that I found interesting that the representative of the Chinese delegation did not, at any point, condemn the space launch of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. I reiterate that this launch is in violation of multiple Security Council resolutions. There was a reference about the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea adhering to agreements, particularly the Agreed Framework between the United States of America and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea dating from the early 1990s. What was interesting about that time period was that, while the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was supposedly adhering to that agreement, it was also in the process of developing a clandestine uranium enrichment programme  — so much for adherence to that agreement. There was a reference to the Washington Declaration. And just to be very clear: the Washington Declaration is a response to the destabilizing activities of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea with regard to its ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programmes. It is not the other way around  — just to be clear. This is not an issue of two sides here in the Security Council. There is one party that has been sanctioned by the Security Council, and that is the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. There was a reference to the Chinese and Russian draft resolution that would ease sanctions on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. It is hard to imagine that we should ease sanctions on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea while it continues its destabilizing behaviour. And we must think about the message that sends out to the world — that countries can go ahead and just wilfully violate Security Council resolutions and they will be rewarded. We must think very seriously about that. I would also like to emphasize that in our deterrence cooperation with the Republic of Korea, neither the United States nor the Republic of Korea is in violation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. I just want to be very clear about that. My last point is that, in terms of the willingness of the United States to seriously engage the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, we have said on many occasions that we are prepared to have an unconditional dialogue with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to try to deal with our differences. As members all know, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has rejected our interventions on many occasions.

The representative of China has asked for the floor to make further statement.

I understand that you, Madam President, do not want me to make a further statement, but as the representative of the United States has already made a further statement, I must respond. I will try to be brief. First, as I mentioned in my statement earlier, there are reasons for the current situation on the Korean peninsula. It is not as simple as the representative of the United States said: all the mistakes were made by one side, and all the responsibility was attributed to one side. In order to effectively and comprehensively resolve the issues on the peninsula, we must focus on the essence of the problem  — namely, the peace mechanism is missing, the legitimate security concerns of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea have not been resolved, and there is long-standing mistrust between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the United States. Secondly, I also mentioned in my statement that there had been some more promising developments in the past, thanks to a demonstration of political commitment by all sides, commitment to diplomacy and the concrete actions taken. The United States has said that the door of diplomacy remains open, but at the same time it has engaged in conducting military activities on the peninsula and in the surrounding areas. How does that demonstrate the goodwill to resolve the problem? Thirdly, with regard to the Washington Declaration, the United States provides extended deterrence to its allies, especially the planned visit of a strategic nuclear submarine to the peninsula after 42 years, which has seriously reinforced the sense of insecurity of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has also made its position clear on that issue. We all clearly understand that, if the United States continues on the current path, it will inevitably provoke the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea even further and increase tensions on the peninsula. In conclusion, I again remind the representative of the United States that he must carry out a comprehensive, calm and accurate assessment of the current situation, display political will, demonstrate the necessary flexibility, take genuine action to relaunch dialogue, advocate for a political solution and make every effort to create the right conditions to that end.

I now give the floor to the representative of the Republic of Korea.

I would like to begin by thanking you, Madam President, for convening today’s important meeting of the Security Council. My gratitude also goes to Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing. The Republic of Korea condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea of a so-called military reconnaissance satellite on 31 May, local time. The regime of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has been completely obsessed with launching a military reconnaissance satellite ever since it unveiled its five-year military development plan in 2021. The leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea visited its National Aerospace Development Administration, which is on the sanctions list of the Security Council, in April and May, and personally approved its launch. That palpably demonstrates that the claim of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and its few supporters that its provocations were triggered by Republic of Korea- United States military exercises or moves to strengthen that alliance, in the face of the growing threat from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, is not consistent with the facts. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is doing what it wants, according to its own playbook. After the launch, the Foreign Ministry of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea mocked and condemned the Secretary-General for the statement on the issue yesterday. Moreover, Kim Yo-jong, the sister of the leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, issued a statement to justify its unlawful action by claiming its sovereign right to use outer space, totally disregarding the Council. While reaffirming their plan to launch another one until it succeeds, she even said, “The far-fetched logic that only the DPRK should not be allowed to [launch a satellite] according to the ‘resolution’ … is clearly ... gangster-like and wrong …”. I came across a fitting analogy the other day as a counter-argument  — that a knife is just a kitchen utensil for ordinary people, but it is a lethal weapon for criminals. Any launch using ballistic-missile technology by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is explicitly prohibited by multiple Security Council resolutions. The reason is simple. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is the first and only case that has abused the regime of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and then openly developed nuclear weapons and their delivery systems. In that regard, I do not need to remind members that the Security Council, without any objection or abstention, unanimously adopted resolution 2087 (2013) in January 2013 to respond to the so-called Kwangmyŏngsŏng-3 satellite launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Regardless of whether or not it succeeded and whatever term Pyongyang is using to describe it, there is no doubt that the launch constitutes a flagrant violation of Security Council resolutions. It does not fall into the category of the peaceful use of outer space. Space launch vehicles incorporate almost identical technologies to those used in ballistic missiles, such as multistage rockets and guidance, navigation and control systems. Place a nuclear warhead, instead of a satellite, on a space launch vehicle and you end up with a nuclear weapon. Resolution 2270 (2016), which was adopted unanimously after the so-called Kwangmyŏngsŏng-4 satellite launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in February 2016, also made it abundantly clear that that launch used ballistic-missile technology and was therefore prohibited. The Council must act with one strong voice. The Security Council should not remain silent on the failed launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. In the past, the Council refrained from adopting substantial measures on failed launches by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. However, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea learns and advances its weapons of mass destruction programme, based on those failed launches. The Council’s inaction not only emboldens Pyongyang but also misguides the international community into accepting that the Council will stand idly by and wait for a successful launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea before it seriously responds. Even as we speak today, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is buying time to further advance its unlawful nuclear and missile programmes according to its own plan, taking full advantage of the paralysed Security Council and the weakened implementation of Security Council sanctions. In that light, I would like to underline the need to strengthen our cooperation to cut off the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s revenue sources for its weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programmes. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea profits massively from its malicious cyber activities and overseas information technology workers with forged identities based all around the world, which have a seriously destabilizing effect on international peace and security. The Security Council should do more to prevent and counter that pressing matter. Some argue that sanctions are ineffective in addressing the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s WMD programmes. However, the sanctions have been curbing the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s illicit revenue streams to some degree thus far. Sanctions must be thoroughly implemented by all, including all members of the Council, in order to be more effective. It is simply appalling to witness the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea regime obsessively spending enormous amounts of money and resources on its WMD programme, while its own people persistently suffer from deteriorating food shortages, as well as gross and systematic human rights abuses. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s reckless pursuit of a growing nuclear arsenal, in total disregard of its international obligations, and its totalitarian control of its own people are indeed two sides of the same coin. My delegation urges all Council members to support the revival of public Security Council meetings on the human rights situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, of which the Council remains seized. In conclusion, the Republic of Korea would like to reiterate that the door for dialogue and negotiation remains wide open, despite the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s intensifying provocations and threats. We strongly urge the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea once again to cease further escalatory actions, to fulfil its international obligations and to return to diplomacy.