North Korea tests newly developed rocket engine

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended a test on Saturday at the North Korean Sohae launch site, which was designed to test the thrust power and control system reliability of a new high-thrust Rocket Engine. Jong Un called the successful test a "revolutionary" development for the country's space program.

Rocket test comes at time of heightened tension between North Korea and U.S., China

Although reports have shown that the rocket is indeed intended for a space satellite program, which North Korean officials hope will lead to the development of the country's first geostationary satellite, the successful launch and the resulting rhetoric from leader Kim Jong Un has heightened already strained tension between North Korea, China, and the United States. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has been touring various countries throughout Asia, finishing in Beijing, with most of his visits focused on the recent strengthening of North Korea's missile and nuclear capability.

In recent months, North Korea has conducted a series of missile and nuclear tests, in brazen violation of international law and sanctions from the United Nations. In January, Kim Jong Un made a series of public announcements threatening the international community and declaring that the country's military was close to the development of an inter-continental ballistic missile, or ICBM, capable of reaching the United States.

U.S. response to missile tests has been aggressive

U.S. Secretary Tillerson has made aggressive comments regarding the nuclear program, declaring that the United States and its regional ally South Korea would consider military action against North Korea if the Trump administration deemed there was a credible threat to American security.

The U.S. and South Korea have launched large-scale military exercises to prepare for potential military action. China has been critical of actions on both sides, including the deployment of an advanced U.S. anti-missile system. U.S. President Donald Trump has taken to social media to criticize the North Korean regime.