Today: 2 August 2025
7 January 2022
1 min read

US concerned over N.Korean nuke, missile programs

Blinken made the remarks on Thursday during annual security consultative talks with his Japanese counterpart, Yoshimasa Hayashi…reports Asian Lite News

North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs pose an ongoing threat to the region and the international community, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

Blinken made the remarks on Thursday during annual security consultative talks with his Japanese counterpart, Yoshimasa Hayashi, that also involved US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi, reports Yonhap News Agency.

“Meanwhile, the DPRK’s unlawful nuclear, missile programs pose an ongoing threat. And we saw that again this week with the most recent launch,” Blinken said on Thursday, referring to North Korea’s test launch of a self-claimed hypersonic missile on Wednesday.

DPRK stands for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the North’s official name.

Blinken noted threats facing the allies included what he called China’s “provocative actions” in the region and Russia’s military build-up along the Ukraine border.

“So, to address these evolving threats, our alliance must not only strengthen the tools we have but also develop new ones,” he told the virtual meeting. “And I think that’s really the focus of the discussions that are about to happen.”

On his part, Austin reiterated challenges posed by North Korea and others in the Indo-Pacific region.

“We’re meeting against the backdrop of increased tensions and challenges to the free and stable and secure Indo-Pacific region that we both seek — challenges posed by North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and by the coercive and aggressive behaviour of the People’s Republic of China.

“So together we are taking bold steps to improve our alliances, bolster our readiness and strengthen what I call integrated deterrence,” he added.

This week’s missile test marked North Korea’s first missile launch since October 2021.

Pyongyang has claimed to have successfully test launched its first hypersonic missile last September.

ALSO READ: Blinken: No progress in Russia talks with a ‘gun to Ukraine’s head’

Previous Story

India: 7-day quarantine must for all international arrivals

Next Story

Imran fails to bring economic progress to Pakistan

Latest from -Top News

IBPC Dubai charts new growth path

Former Tata Motors CEO Ravi Kant headlines exclusive event as Indian business council sets course for transformation….reports Asian Lite News The Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC) Dubai has signalled a significant

Miles in the Malls!

Dubai Mallathon kicks off today – The emirate’s biggest malls transform into indoor fitness arenas, inviting residents to walk, run, and win — all while staying cool, healthy, and community-connected….reports Asian Lite

Famine grips Gaza, WHO warns

WHO said Gaza’s population is facing acute food insecurity under the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification…reports Asian Lite News The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued its starkest warning yet about the

Lifeline from UAE to Gaza

UAE’s Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 sustains Gaza’s collapsing health system with hospitals, treatment, aid, and vaccines, offering vital relief to thousands amid deepening crisis….reports Asian Lite News The United Arab Emirates has

Modi, MBZ talk big ties

The call reaffirmed their keenness to “strengthen relations in line with their shared vision to leverage opportunities and deepen strategic cooperation.”…reports Asian Lite News In a significant diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Narendra
Go toTop

Don't Miss

White House cancels US-Israel meeting

Netanyahu claimed he had told Secretary of State Antony Blinken

Security heightened in US cities amid protests, tensions

Protests around New York have been largely peaceful, but the