North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vows his nation would "demonstrate its mettle to the U.S." and never negotiate its weapons programs after watching the test-launch of its first intercontinental ballistic missile.
The hard line suggests that more tests are being prepared as North Korea tries to perfect a nuclear missile capable of striking anywhere in the United States.
Tuesday's ICBM launch, confirmed later by U.S. and South Korean officials, is a milestone in Pyongyang's efforts to develop long-range nuclear-armed missiles.
The ensuing uproar only seemed to inspire the North's rhetoric in official media, which described Kim as smiling as he urged his scientists to "frequently send big and small 'gift packages' to the Yankees," an apparent reference to further tests.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is expressing frustration with China over its expanding trade with North Korea.
Trump had expressed optimism after his first meeting with China's president that the two would work together to curb North Korea's nuclear pursuits. But North Korea on Tuesday launched what U.S. and South Korean officials confirm was an intercontinental ballistic missile.
The president tweeted Wednesday, "Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40% in the first quarter. So much for China working with us - but we had to give it a try!"
North Korea's latest missile launch Tuesday, confirmed by U.S. and South Korean officials as an intercontinental ballistic missile, have prompted calls for stronger measures against Pyongyang.
As he departed for Poland Wednesday, Trump added that he thinks "we're going to do very well" in responding to North Korea's latest threat.
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