China, Russia blocks US move in UN Security Council to take strict action against North Korea

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SEOUL (TSAT) - China and Russia have again blocked US attempt in the UN Security Councile to take strict action against the North Korea after its latest missile tests.

Friday meeting was the second attempt of Washington and its allies including Albania, Brazil, Britain, France, Ireland, Japan, Norway and the United Arab Emirates to make North Korea accountable for its seven missile tests including long-range ballistic missile launch last month.

"The DPRK's January 30 (local time) launch of an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) is a significant escalation in the DPRK's recent violations of multiple Security Council resolutions and seeks to further destabilize the region. We condemn this unlawful action in the strongest terms," Yonhap News Agency quoted the U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield said in a joint statement with allies.

The North Korean leader Kim last month warned and order his defense officials to prepare for US "hostile" policy toward his country.

Kim also signalled to restart its nuclear missile program that he halted in 2017.

"The nine ballistic missiles launched in January is the largest number of launches the DPRK has conducted in a single month in the history of its WMD and ballistic missile programs," its said in the statement.

"We call on all Council members to speak with one voice in condemning these dangerous and unlawful acts," they added.

Chinese envoy to the UN said that Washington need to "do more" and make an environment to resume dialogue with North Korea.

Responding to Chinese envoy remarks, the US ambassador said Washington already announced that they are ready to meet without any preconditions.

She added that US President Joe Biden meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un could be possible "if the conditions are there."

She also said a meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un could be possible but in current situation they are not able to bring him on the dialogue table, according to the agency.