A Japanese defense official noted that the missile was found in Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
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“It imposes a serious threat to Japan’s security and it is an unforgivable act of violence toward Japan’s security”, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told AP. Wednesday’s launch suggests that Pyongyang is seeking to demonstrate a capability and willingness to strike regional states beyond South Korea, including Japan, an important US ally.
While the worldwide community has been unanimous in the condemnation of the North’s actions, top NK diplomat to the United States Han Son Ryol stated that the Communist regime’s launch of the ballistic missiles is an act of self-defense.
On July 19 it launched three ballistic missiles – including one Rodong – in an exercise that the North said simulated a nuclear strike on the South.
The missile appeared to be a Rodong-type medium-range missile that flew about 1,000 kilometres (620 miles), it said.
“It is the USA who threatens DPRK with missiles”.
“We reiterate the call on the DPRK to heed the united call of the worldwide community to reverse its course and return to the process of honest dialogue”, said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric, using the initials for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the North’s official name.
North Korea routinely conducts weapons tests, but the latest launch came after North Korea warned of unspecified “physical counter-actions” against a US plan to deploy an advanced missile defense system in South Korea by the end of next year.
“We can not deny the possibility of further provocations by the North”, said Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida.
The regime’s latest missile launches are expected to further ignite discussions on the deployment of the US missile defense system on the Korean peninsula. The United States, Japan and 10 other countries have requested a UN investigation of North Korea’s ballistic missile tests in a move that could lead to targeted sanctions, according to a joint letter obtained by AFP yesterday.
North Korea denounced the training as provocative and preparation for an invasion. He also said the launch by North Korea showed that their threats can become reality quickly.
“I never want to preclude any additional sanctions, but we did pass a very strong sanctions package several months ago”, Toner said, referring to the latest U.N. Security Council sanctions resolution adopted in response to the North’s fourth nuclear test earlier this year.
South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se said the test only served to “underline the need to deploy the Thaad”.
North Korea launched a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan on Wednesday.
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North Korea’s continual testing of ballistic missile technology after March has resulted in a UNSC meeting previously and a subsequent condemnation.
