SEOUL: North Korea’s latest rocket engine test showed “meaningful progress” in its missile capabilities, Seoul said Monday, as the nuclear-armed state steps up its controversial weapons development programs. The North’s leader Kim Jong-Un oversaw the “successful” test of the powerful new rocket engine, state media said Sunday, in a move apparently timed to coincide with a trip to Asia by new US Secretary State Rex Tillerson. “The latest test is believed to have made some meaningful progress in engine functions,” Seoul’s defense ministry spokesman told reporters. The North’s last ground test of a high-powered rocket engine—which can be used in missiles—was in September last year, and also observed by Kim. Expert opinions vary on how advanced the North’s missile capabilities are, but most agree it has made significant progress in recent years.

Source: Manila Times March 20, 2017 06:45 UTC