Moon's observation of the test launch was likely meant to underscore South Korea's capability to respond to a North Korean missile attack, mitigating security concerns prompted by the controversy about delaying the THAAD deployment while also sending a warming message to the North Korean leadership, which continues to develop nuclear weapons and missiles.
North Korea has tested several new missile systems this year, including a powerful midrange missile that experts say could one day reach targets as far as Hawaii or Alaska.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in Friday oversaw a missile test, which his office said was "aimed at sending a clear warning against North Korea's repeated provocations".
The officials told Fox News that the latest engine test on Thursday was conducted in the city of Yun Song, where previous rocket tests have taken place.
It also conducted two nuclear tests previous year as it pursues development of a long-range nuclear missile that could reach the US mainland. "I'm an advocate of dialogue, but even dialogue is made possible by a powerful military, and even engagement is made possible by the ability to overpower North Korea".
China is seen as North Korea's main ally and the U.S. hopes Beijing can have greater influence on the state to stop both its missile tests and nuclear program.
A 2nd mistrial: Jury deadlocks in Ohio cop's murder retrial
Mr Tensing later said that he had shot because he feared that he could be run over by the auto as Mr DuBose tried to get away. Mr Tensing was sacked previous year by the University of Cincinnati, which announced an overhaul of its policing department.
The indigenous missile known as Hyunmoo-2 has an estimated range of 800 meters that covers all of the North, and will be deployed following two more tests.
The news of another rocket engine test by Pyongyang comes as an U.S. official said on Wednesday there were signs of increased activity at North Korea's lone nuclear test site.
The US Defense Intelligence Agency warned last month that North Korea was on an "inevitable" path to achieving this.
"The number of Kim Jong Un's public activities was 51, a 32 percent decrease from previous year", South Korean intelligence officials told lawmakers, per the Korea Herald. Calling North Korea the "top security threat" to the United States, Tillerson said China had a "diplomatic responsibility to exert much greater economic and diplomatic pressure on the regime if they want to prevent further escalation in the region".
The US anti-missile system - known as the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) - is now stationed in South Korea.
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