UN security council resolution on North Korea launch could be 'worse than nothing' says US

The US's Ambassador to the United Nations has said that there is "no point" in a meeting of the Security Council over North Korea's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile.

Nikki Haley said in a statement on Sunday (30 July) that reports the US was seeking an emergency meeting were "mistaken".

"There is no point in having an emergency session if it produces nothing of consequence," Haley said.

North Korea launched a missile into waters off Japan on Friday (28 July), with Pentagon officials saying the projectile was thought to be the hermit kingdom's second ICBM launch. The county has been attempting to develop a missile capable of reaching the US.

"North Korea is already subject to numerous Security Council resolutions that they violate with impunity and that are not complied with by all UN member states," Haley said in the statement. "An additional Security Council resolution that does not significantly increase the international pressure on North Korea is of no value."

"In fact, it is worse than nothing, because it sends the message to the North Korean dictator that the international community is unwilling to seriously challenge him." Haley also went on to criticise China's lack of action against North Korea, something US President Donald Trump did vocally just a day earlier.

"I am very diappointed in China," Trump said in a series of tweets on Saturday. "Our foolish past leaders have allowed them to make hundreds of billions of dollars a year in trade, yet they do NOTHING for us with North Korea, just talk. We will no longer allow this to continue. China could easily solve this problem!"

In more diplomatic language, Haley said: "China must decide whether it is finally willing to take this final step."

"The time for talk is over." she added. "The danger the North Korean regime poses to international peace is now clear to all."