WW3? UK orders North Korean ambassador to the Foreign Office after ballistic missile test

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The North Korean ambassador was summoned to the Foreign office for a dressing down

The hermit kingdom’s ambassador to the UK, Choe II, was ordered to the Foreign Office where it was made clear “how strongly the UK condemns” the latest intercontinental ballistic missile test conducted by the despotic regime.

Analysis from last week’s launch shows the US mainland is now within range of Kim’s deadly weapons, including the popular cities of Los Angeles and Chicago.

The North Korean leader claimed that the reclusive country could carry out a nuclear attack on America “in any place, anytime”.

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Following his meeting with ambassador Choe II in London, Foreign Office minister Lord Ahmad said: “Once again, North Korea’s actions directly violate multiple UN Security Council resolutions and threaten international security.

“The UK will work with our partners and allies to tackle this threat.

“I call on the regime to stop its dangerous activity, change its course and concentrate on its people’s welfare rather than illegally pursuing its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.”

It follows a warning by Nikki Haley, the US envoy to the UN, that a tougher approach is needed to combat the growing confidence of the secretive state.

She said the time for talking was “over” and a “vital step” forward was needed.

The diplomat joined Donald Trump and called on China, North Korea’s closest ally, to join the US in taking a stronger stance against the regime.

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Choe II is the North Korean ambassador in London

Ms Haley said: “[China must] decide whether it is finally willing to take this vital step.

“An additional Security Council resolution that does not significantly increase the international pressure on North Korea is of no value.

“[It] sends the message to the North Korean dictator that the international community is unwilling to seriously challenge him.”

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Lord Ahmed made clear how strongly the UK condemns the latest test

China itself has dismissed claims it has the power to control North Korea.

Earlier this month Geng Shuang, the country’s foreign minister, said the idea Beijing can control Pyongyang was exaggerated.

He said: “Recently, certain people, talking about the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, have been exaggerating and giving prominence to the so-called ‘China responsibility theory’.

“I think this either shows the lack of a full, correct knowledge of the issue, or there are ulterior motives for it, trying to shift responsibility.”