The DPRK claims that it has tested a new intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwaseon-15, that can hit targets throughout the United States; France has condemned the move and is calling for tougher sanctions.

Axar.az reports citing Sputnik that, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian strongly denounced North Korea's latest missile test, urging for the strengthening of sanctions against Pyongyang.

"I strongly condemn the missile launch, which North Korea carried out today. France is expressing its solidarity with Japan and South Korea in the face of this threat… I reiterate my conviction that the time has come to increase pressure and sanctions [against Pyongyang]," Le Drian said in a statement.

China expresses extreme concern over North Korea's latest missile test and urges Pyongyang to comply with UN Security Council resolutions, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Wednesday.

On Wednesday, North Korea conducted a new missile launch. The missile traveled about 620 miles east before falling into the Sea of Japan. Pyongyang later announced in an official statement that this was an intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-15.

North Korea has been conducting its missile and nuclear tests in violation of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. The last missile test before the 29 November launch took place on September 15, with the missile flying over Japan before falling into the northern Pacific.

Earlier, Russia and China offered North Korea the option to declare a moratorium on nuclear tests and missile launches, and suggested that South Korea and the United States refrain from conducting exercises in the region to stabilize the situation on the peninsula, but Washington ignored this initiative.