Kim Jong-un's sister taunts US as a 'scared dog' after response to nuclear threat
Kim Jong-un's sister has said the US is like a "scared barking dog" as 14 countries condemned its latest intercontinental ballistic missile test, as North Korea continues to raise concerns over its nuclear threat
The sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has said the US is like a "scared barking dog" after their most recent missile test was condemned.
Kim Yo Jong responded as the US and UK were among 14 countries of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to "strongly condemn" the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) last Friday.
Despite worldwide concerns over an expected test of a nuclear weapon and continued tests of ICBMs, Kim said the statement was released as the US only has an issue with its "right to self-defence."
It was the rogue state's eighth ICBM launch this year alone after they ramped up their nuclear programme following a brief lull.
They are expected to be preparing their first nuclear test in five years.
READ MORE: Hot dog vendor stabbed to death in 'turf war' with another sausage seller, say witnesses
Kim Yo Jong said the "US blew off its steam for not achieving its impure attempt by bringing out a ragtag group" that included the UK and South Korea, according to NK News.
"From this scene I cannot but compare [the U.S.] with a scared barking dog," she added.
A formalised statement by the council was not issued because of objections by Russia and China.
The Chinese ambassador to the UN said the UNSC "should play a constructive role on this issue and should not always condemn or exert pressure" on North Korea.
Concerns were raised about Friday's ICBM launch "that landed about 125 miles from Japan’s coastline" along with a report in "the DPRK’s state-controlled media that it could be used for a preemptive nuclear strike."
The statement read: "Compared with the total number of intercontinental ballistic missile launches prior to 2022, this represents a serious escalation and poses an unequivocal threat to international peace and security."
Earlier this month, President Joe Biden and President Xi Jinping met face-to-face for the first time since Biden's inauguration in 2021.
The pair discussed Biden's hope that China would lean on its ally in the region to try and rein in its nuclear programme.
The US has insisted that escalation by North Korea would lead to an increased military presence of American forces in the region, which China is likely to object to due in part to its desire for reunification with self-governed Taiwan.
Biden said: "It is difficult to say I am certain that China can control North Korea. I made it clear to President Xi Jinping that I thought they had an obligation to attempt to make it clear to North Korea that they should not engage in long-range nuclear tests."