North Korea 'ready to deploy and mass-produce new missile'

North Korea says it is ready to deploy and mass-produce a medium-range ballistic missile following a successful test at the weekend.

The secretive nation has released video of the solid-fuel Pukguksong-2 missile which is says is capable of reaching Japan and major US military bases.

The test took place at a military base north of the capital, Pyongyang, on Sunday. The missile travelled about 310 miles before landing in the Pacific Ocean.

North Korean state media said the test, watched by leader Kim Jong Un, verified technical aspects of the weapon system and examined its "adaptability under various battle conditions".

Pyongyang said the new missile was an "answer" to US President Donald Trump's policies.

North Korea's often-stated goal is to perfect a nuclear warhead that it can put on a missile capable of hitting Washington or other American cities.

The footage of the launch was released as China called for dialogue to ease tensions on the peninsular.

"The (UN) Security Council has clear stipulations prohibiting DPRK against using ballistic missiles and China opposes this as well," said a spokeswoman for the Chinese foreign ministry.

"The situation on the Korean peninsula is complex and sensitive. We urge all sides to avoid provoking each other and continue on the right track of dialogue and consultation."

The test was described as "reckless and irresponsible" by South Korea and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he would raise the issue at an upcoming G7 summit.

David Wright, an expert on North Korea's missiles and nuclear programme who is with the Union of Concerned Scientists, said that the Pukguksong-2's solid fuel is of particular concern.

Solid-fuel missiles have their fuel loaded in them before being moved into place, allowing them to be launched faster and with more secrecy.

Liquid-fuel missiles, on the other hand, are fuelled at the launch site. The process can last an hour and requires other vehicles. That makes then easier to spot and easier to destroy than the solid-fuel variety.

Earlier this month, North Korea launched another ballistic missile called the Hwasong-12, which it said was capable of carrying a heavy nuclear warhead .

The launch of Hwasong-12 was the 10th test carried out by North Korea this year.