When speaking in China, Putin called for a peaceful solution to the ongoing tensions on the Korean peninsula, “I would like to confirm that we are categorically against the expansion of the club of nuclear states, including through the Korean Peninsula,” Putin told reporters. In comments that appeared aimed at the United States, he said  “intimidating the DPRK is unacceptable”.

Putin made the comments on the sidelines of the One Belt One Road summit in Beijing, a meeting of 29 heads of state convened by Chinese President Xi Jinping to push his vision for China’s global expansion. Analysts estimated its ranged as 4,500 kilometers which would put the US territory of Guam within its reach. A small island in the Pacific, Guam is home to Andersen Air Force Base, through which the US Air Force rotates heavy bombers including B-1s, B-2s and B-52s.

According to state news agency KCNA, North Korea tested a Hwasong-12 missile Sunday which reached an altitude of 2,111.5 kilometres (1,312 miles) and flew 787 kilometers (489 miles).  KCNA said the test showed North Korea “has all powerful means for retaliatory strike” should Washington take any military action to stop its nuclear weapons program.