U.N. chief António Guterres said Tuesday that the Security Council will respond clearly to any “provocations that threaten freedom and peace,” after South Korea’s president asked him to support a firm response if North Korea resumes nuclear testing.

Guterres provided the reassurance in a half-hour meeting with Yoon Suk-yeol in New York, though it comes as permanent members China and Russia have vetoed new sanctions on DPRK and blocked statements critical of its missile sanctions in recent months.