US and China split over North Korea missile test
President Xi Jinping calls for Washington and Pyongyang to halt military action and begin talks

North Korea's "paradigm-changing" missile test has split the US and China over how to deal with the rogue state, CNN reports.
A diplomatic rift has grown following yesterday's test of a an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with the potential to carry a nuclear warhead to Alaska.
North Korea's state broadcaster claims the regime now has the power to attack the US mainland directly with a nuclear warhead.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
While US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says all options "must remain on the table", China and Russia have tried to de-escalate tensions by calling for Pyongyang to freeze further tests and Washington to halt military exercises in the region.
A joint statement by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin called for both sides to halt military action and engage in talks, reports Bloomberg.
North Korea "appeared to cross a new threshold" by testing a missile that experts say could touch the US, says the New York Times.
The Washington Post described it as “a direct challenge" to the White House, adding that experts say "the administration does not have many choices for what to do next".
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
South Korean President Moon Jae-in has called on Seoul's allies to demonstrate their missile defence posture "with action, not just a statement", the BBC reports.
The UN Security Council is expected to hold a closed-door emergency meeting later today after US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley requested urgent talks. Pyongyang is banned from developing and testing nuclear warheads.
-
Shutdown: Democrats stand firm, at a cost
Feature With Trump refusing to negotiate, Democrats’ fight over health care could push the government toward a shutdown
-
TikTok: A little help from Trump’s friends
Feature Trump’s new TikTok deal would hand the app over to 'his billionaire allies,' ignoring national security concerns
-
Antifa: A useful right-wing bogeyman?
Feature Trump signs executive order labeling antifa a “domestic terrorist” group
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of Taiwan
In the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdown
IN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
Kim Ju Ae: North Korea’s next leader?
The Explainer Kim Jong Un’s young daughter is being seen as his ‘recognised heir’ following a high-profile public appearance at China summit
-
'Axis of upheaval': will China summit cement new world order?
Today's Big Question Xi calls on anti-US alliance to cooperate in new China-led global system – but fault lines remain
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American cities
Under the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctions
The Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
-
Wonsan-Kalma: North Korea's new 'mammoth' beach resort
Under the Radar Pyongyang wants to boost tourism but there won't be many foreign visitors to Kim Jong Un's 'pet project'
-
One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again?
today's big question More than 60 protesters died during demonstrations in 2024