Asia-Pacific

Trump says China ‘does nothing’ to thwart North Korea’s nuclear ambitions

President says on Twitter that US ‘would no longer allow this to continue’

North Korea has hailed as a success its latest test of an intercontinental ballistic missile, describing it as a "stern warning" for the US. Indications are the missile would have the potential to reach Los Angeles and even Chicago. Video: REUTERS
Sun Jul 30 2017 - 08:59

Donald Trump has accused China of doing nothing to help the United States thwart North Korea’s quest for nuclear weapons following Pyongyang’s latest missile test.

Mr Trump said on Twitter he was “very disappointed in China”, adding: “Our foolish past leaders have allowed them to make hundreds of billions of dollars a year in trade, yet...”

In a second tweet, he continued: “...they do NOTHING for us with North Korea, just talk. We will no longer allow this to continue. China could easily solve this problem!”

North Korea said it conducted another successful test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Friday that proved its ability to strike America’s mainland.

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The United States flew two B-1B bombers over the Korean peninsula in a show of force after recent North Korean missile tests.

The B-1B flight, conducted on Saturday, was in direct response to the missile test and the previous July 3rd launch of the “Hwansong-14” rocket, a US statement said.

China, the North’s main ally, said it opposed North Korea’s missile launches, which it said violate United Nations Security Council resolutions designed to curb Pyongyang’s banned nuclear and missile programmes.

“At the same time, China hopes all parties act with caution, to prevent tensions from continuing to escalate,” China’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally supervised the midnight test launch of the missile on Friday night and said it was a “stern warning” for the United States that it would not be safe from destruction if it tries to attack, the North’s official KCNA news agency said.

North Korea’s state television broadcast pictures of the launch, showing the missile lifting off in darkness and Kim cheering with military aides.

Reuters