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North Korea Missile Launches Spark Condemnations

The long-awaited test launch of a North Korean missile sparked condemnations from the United States, South Korea, Japan and China, even as it was described by Washington as a ?failure?. U.S. anti-ballistic missile batteries on the Pacific Coast had been activated in case the Taepodong-2 missile managed to exceed expectations and reach what is believed to be its longest range. However the test, which occurred after four short-range missiles were test-launched into the Sea of Japan, apparently had issues about forty seconds into its launch and caused no apparent harm to anyone.

China especially expressed reservations about the North Korean launch, which took place as the two countries prepared to mark 45 years since a ?friendship treaty? was signed between Pyongyang and Beijing. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao was quoted by news agencies as stating that ?We are seriously concerned about the events that have occurred, and we hope that all sides will maintain calm and restraint, and do things conducive to the peace and stability of the Korean peninsula and Northeast Asia and do not take any further steps that will add to tensions and further complicate the situation.?

Australia also sharply condemned the launch of both the short-range and long-range missiles. A planned diplomatic visit to the Stalinist Asian nation was canceled, as was a reciprocal visit by North Korean officials to Australia. Later in the day on Wednesday, the United Nations Security Council in New York was set to meet and discuss the latest developments. In Washington, White House spokesman Tony Snow said ?The North Koreans have, again, clearly isolated themselves.?