In a heated United Nations Security Council meeting on November 4, the United States sharply criticized Russia and China for what it called their “shameless” shielding of North Korea from international accountability. This protection, according to Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Robert Wood, has emboldened Pyongyang to persist in developing its nuclear and ballistic missile programs in violation of long-standing UN sanctions. The meeting was convened in response to North Korea’s recent test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and marked the latest clash among global powers on addressing the North Korean threat.
“Russia and China have shamelessly protected Pyongyang from any reprisal or even condemnation of its actions,” said Robert Wood, the U.S. deputy ambassador to the UN. In his statement, Wood alleged that Moscow and Beijing’s repeated vetoes and inaction on punitive measures have not only shielded North Korea but have emboldened its leadership. Pyongyang’s pursuit of nuclear capabilities continues largely unchecked, aided by what he described as the implicit support of Russia and China in the Security Council.
The 15-member UN Security Council met in response to North Korea’s November 2 test launch of an ICBM, which has prompted alarm among North Korea’s neighboring countries and beyond. According to Wood, the Council has been unable to issue any formal condemnation of North Korea’s recent actions due to Russia and China’s vetoes, both of whom hold permanent seats and wield veto power in the Council.
At the same UN meeting, North Korean UN Ambassador Kim Song defended Pyongyang’s missile launch as a response to what he called the growing “nuclear threat” posed by the United States and its allies. Kim made clear North Korea’s intent to expand its nuclear force, which he described as necessary to counter perceived U.S. hostility. “The nuclear threat of the United States against the DPRK has already reached a critical point in terms of its scale and danger,” Kim asserted, referencing the country’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). Kim went on to accuse the United States of pushing the region toward the “brink of war” through its alliance with South Korea and Japan, and through what he described as an expanding military presence in the region.
This rhetoric underscores North Korea’s longstanding narrative of self-defense against the U.S., which it accuses of harboring hostile intentions. Pyongyang’s development of nuclear capabilities, it insists, is not aggression but rather a necessary deterrent. Yet, with each test launch, North Korea heightens global concerns of escalation, especially given its evolving missile technology and nuclear capabilities.
North Korea has been subject to UN-imposed sanctions since 2006, aimed at stymieing its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Over the years, these sanctions have tightened, prohibiting Pyongyang from accessing materials and technology essential to weapons production. However, according to U.S. and allied officials, loopholes persist, and North Korea’s continued missile tests suggest that these measures may have limited efficacy in curbing its ambitions.
The international sanctions framework includes severe restrictions on North Korea’s trade and access to foreign currency, luxury goods, and critical technology, yet enforcement has proven challenging. Despite the sanctions, North Korea continues to conduct missile tests and, according to some analysts, has likely succeeded in advancing its weapons technology over time, with possible help from external sources.
Both Russia and China have consistently argued that the UN Security Council’s approach toward North Korea is counterproductive and outdated, calling for a shift toward dialogue and diplomatic engagement. Russian Deputy UN Ambassador Anna Evstigneeva criticized the U.S. and its allies for what she called their “Cold War-era” mentality, accusing them of demonizing North Korea and pursuing an ineffective sanctions regime that only heightens regional tensions.
“We would once again like to note that the Security Council must fundamentally revise its approaches in order to get the situation out of this dangerous deadlock and not make it worse,” Evstigneeva said. Russia’s position, echoed by China, is that a new strategy is needed, one that recognizes North Korea’s security concerns and avoids what they view as the punitive isolation of Pyongyang.
China’s Ambassador to the UN, Fu Cong, emphasized the need for unity and constructive engagement, arguing that sanctions alone will not resolve the issue. “The Security Council should play a constructive role on the [Korean] Peninsula issue and take concrete measures to de-escalate the situation and enhance mutual trust, rather than simply imposing sanctions and pressure,” Fu stated, urging a move away from actions that might exacerbate North Korea’s sense of vulnerability.
South Korea, one of North Korea’s immediate neighbors, voiced strong opposition to what it views as Russia and China’s leniency toward Pyongyang. South Korea’s UN Ambassador Hwang Joon-kook highlighted the growing risks posed by North Korea’s nuclear program, questioning how the country, despite economic hardship, manages to sustain its weapons development. “This launch once again raises a fundamental question: How can an impoverished pariah regime continue to develop such diverse ballistic missile programs despite the rigorous Security Council sanctions regime?” Hwang asked.
Hwang suggested that large loopholes in sanctions enforcement are to blame, implying that North Korea may be exploiting these weaknesses to gain access to the resources, technology, and expertise necessary for its weapons programs. His comments underscore South Korea’s frustration with what it perceives as a lack of enforcement and the leniency shown by certain Security Council members.
In his remarks, Deputy Ambassador Wood reiterated the U.S. commitment to rallying international support for a stronger stance on North Korea. The United States, along with allies like South Korea and Japan, views North Korea’s missile development as a direct threat to regional and global security. The U.S. government has continued to advocate for collective action through both the UN and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region to deter North Korea’s weapons advancements.
Wood also underscored Washington’s broader strategy to limit North Korea’s access to technology and materials that could be repurposed for nuclear development. This approach has led the U.S. to pressure both North Korea’s trading partners and countries perceived to be aiding Pyongyang indirectly, often targeting banks, companies, and individuals linked to North Korean interests.
The divisions among UN Security Council members over North Korea’s sanctions regime have brought renewed scrutiny to the Council’s ability to effectively manage escalating security threats. The Council’s structure, particularly the veto power held by its permanent members, has often stymied collective action, raising questions about its effectiveness in addressing modern security challenges.
Meanwhile, North Korea’s neighbors remain on high alert. Japan and South Korea, both within striking distance of North Korea’s missiles, have deep concerns over Pyongyang’s growing arsenal and its willingness to flout international norms. In response to North Korea’s ICBM test, both countries have increased military readiness and cooperation with the United States.
For the U.S., the recent UN meeting served as an opportunity to showcase what it views as the need for a united front against North Korea. Despite repeated attempts to secure a consensus on condemning North Korea’s actions, the U.S. and its allies face significant opposition from Russia and China, who prioritize diplomacy and engagement over punitive measures.
