NORTH KOREA conducted two back-to-back tests of a powerful new medium-range missile yesterday, with both achieving a significant increase in flight distance over previous failed launches, South Korea’s Defense Ministry said.

    Both tests were believed to be of a much-hyped, intermediate-range Musudan missile — theoretically capable of reaching U.S. bases as far away as Guam.

    International condemnation was swift, with the United States and Japan labeling the launches a clear violation of U.N. resolutions, and South Korea vowing to push for tighter sanctions on Pyongyang.

    China urged parties to avoid actions that will escalate tension. “Given the complicated and sensitive situation on the Korean Peninsula, all parties should avoid moves that escalate tension on the peninsula and work to maintain regional peace and stability,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said when asked to comment on the issue.

    The first test shortly before 6 a.m. was deemed to have failed after reportedly flying around 150 kilometers over the East Sea.

    According to Japanese military monitors, the second missile attained a height of 1,000 kilometers and a range of 400 kilometers.

    Japanese broadcaster NHK quoted Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as saying such tests “cannot be tolerated.”

    South Korea’s foreign ministry warned that North Korea would face even stronger sanctions and said the tests underlined “the hypocrisy and deceptiveness” of Pyongyang’s recent offers of military talks with Seoul.

    First unveiled as an indigenous missile at a military parade in Pyongyang in October 2010, the Musudan has a theoretical range of anywhere between 2,500 and 4,000 kilometers.

    Three failed launches in April were seen as an embarrassment for North Korea’s leadership, coming ahead of a rare ruling party congress that was meant to celebrate the country’s achievements.(SD-Agencies)