The United Nations Security Council has held an emergency meeting following North Korea's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile.

Representatives from western countries denounced the North for violating Council resolutions during the meeting on Monday, which was convened at the request of countries including the United States and Japan.

North Korea fired a missile toward the Sea of Japan last Thursday and announced the following day that it was a "launching drill" for the Hwasong-17 missile.

US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield accused China and Russia of obstructing the Security Council. She said those countries are "encouraging Pyongyang to launch ballistic missiles with impunity."

She also proposed issuing a statement demanding the North adhere to the resolutions.

Japan's Deputy Ambassador Shino Mitsuko expressed support for the US proposal, calling on member states to fulfill their duties to protect global peace and security.

China and Russia opposed the US proposal, with a Chinese representative describing it as not constructive. The official blamed US military drills around the Korean Peninsula for heightened tensions in the region.