US warns Pyongyang 'time for talk is over' as bombers fly over Korean skies

The United States' ambassador to the UN has said there is "no point" in having an emergency session at the Security Council to discuss North Korea, warning the rogue regime that "the time for talk is over".

Kim Jong-un, North Korea's ruler, personally oversaw the launch on Friday of the country's second intercontinental ballistic missile test this month. The missile is believed by the Pentagon to be capable of reaching mainland USA.

Mr Kim's government said on Sunday that the test was designed as "a stern warning" against further sanctions.

"The test-fire of ICBM this time is meant to send a stern warning to the US making senseless remarks, being lost to reason in the frantic sanctions and pressure campaign against the DPRK," it said.

The test sparked deep consternation in the US, with calls for an emergency session at the UN.

But Nikki Haley, US ambassador to the UN, said it was a waste of time.

"North Korea is already subject to numerous Security Council resolutions that they violate with impunity and that are not complied with by all UN Member States," she said, in a statement issued on Sunday.

"An additional Security Council resolution that does not significantly increase the international pressure on North Korea is of no value. In fact, it is worse than nothing, because it sends the message to the North Korean dictator that the international community is unwilling to seriously challenge him."

She reiterated President Donald Trump's view that China must do more to rein in the pariah state - China being its main trading partner and protector.

He tweeted on Saturday that they "do NOTHING" to rebuke Pyongyang.

Mrs Haley said that China must now condemn North Korea for its repeated missile tests.

"China must decide whether it is finally willing to take this vital step," she said.

"The time for talk is over. The danger the North Korean regime poses to international peace is now clear to all."

Earlier on Saturday the US flew two supersonic bombers over the Korean Peninsula.

The B-1 bombers were escorted by South Korean fighter jets as they performed a low-pass over an air base near the South Korean capital of Seoul before returning to Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.