The medium-range missile "blew up almost
immediately" after the launch attempt from a base in Sinpo, says the US
military.
International concern has been increasing over the
deteriorating situation, with China expressing fears war could break out
"at any moment".
Speaking about North Korea, US national security adviser
Lieutenant General HR McMaster said the rogue state's actions "just can't
continue".
He said: "This latest missile test just fits into a
pattern of provocative, destabilising, and threatening behaviour on the part of
the North Korean regime.
"And I think there is international consensus now,
including the Chinese, and the Chinese leadership, that this is a situation
that just can't continue."
He said the US was working with the Chinese leadership
to "develop a range of options".
US President Donald Trump tweeted: "Our military is
building and is rapidly becoming stronger than ever before. Frankly, we have no
choice!"
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson tweeted: "I
strongly condemn the latest North Korean missile launch. They must stop these
belligerent acts and comply with UN resolutions."
The North, under leader Kim Jong-Un, launched a
ballistic missile from the same region earlier this month ahead of a summit
between the the US and China.
On that occasion the ballistic missile flew for about 37
miles (60km) before landing in the Sea of Japan.
Mr Trump has put Pyongyang "on notice" over
fears the country is developing a weapon that could threaten the US.
On Saturday morning, North Korea warned America to end
its "military hysteria" or face retaliation.
The reclusive state said it was prepared to respond to
any attacks with "nuclear attacks of our own style".
China, Pyongyang's sole major ally, has warned that the
tensions must be stopped from reaching an "irreversible and unmanageable
stage".
The US, which has moved an aircraft carrier and several
other warships towards the Korean peninsula, has previously warned its policy
of "strategic patience" with North Korea is over.
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