BEIJING/WASHINGTON -- Despite attempts by U.S. President Donald Trump to curb North Korea's nuclear and missile development, the rogue state only seems to be doubling down on its provocations, claiming Tuesday to have successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile.
The missile test was conducted in honor of a North Korean holiday on July 3, which celebrates the founding of its strategic forces, a North Korean official told The Nikkei on Tuesday. The official said Pyongyang made the decision as a sovereign nation, revealing that even Beijing had not been informed of the launch in advance.
