White House 'condemns' North Korea's missile provocation... 'Necessary measures will be taken for US mainland and Japan-Korea security'

On November 17th (local time), the US strongly condemned North Korea's launch of a long-range ballistic missile presumed to be an ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile). It also criticized the provocation, saying, "We will take necessary measures for the security of the US mainland and allies such as Japan and South Korea."

"The United States strongly condemns North Korea's long-range ballistic missile test," a White House National Security Council (NSC) spokesman said in a statement. The security team will continue to hold close consultations with allied and friendly nations."

Regarding discussions with allied and friendly countries, the spokesman said, "Based on the tripartite talks with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and President Yoon Seo-gyeol, we resolved to build even closer trilateral ties in the security realm", he explained.

"This launch is a shameless violation of numerous UN Security Council resolutions and creates tensions and dangers that destabilize the security situation in the region," the spokesman said. "This action shows that North Korea continues to prioritize its illegal weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs over the well-being of its citizens."

"We call on all countries to condemn such violations and urge North Korea to come to the table for sincere negotiations," he said, adding, "North Korea will immediately cease its erratic behavior. Instead, we must choose diplomatic engagement."

"The United States will take all necessary measures to ensure the security of the United States and its allies, South Korea and Japan," he said. This is seen as a warning that North Korea will respond more forcefully to North Korea's provocations, as North Korea's missile launches could threaten the US mainland.