North Korea test-fired a nuclear-capable ballistic missile over Japan. It is the fifth nuclear missile test in 10 days which has annoyed Japan, US and South Korea.
The recent missile test indicates that North Korea is getting ready to test its nuclear weapons.
The North Korean ballistic missile, detected by the Japanese coast guard and South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, created warning sirens in Japan with residents advised to take shelter. Train services in the northeastern Hokkaido and Aomori regions were also suspended temporarily.
Since 2017, it was the first North Korean missile to fly over. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida not only condemned the test but called it a “barbaric” act.
Japan said the range of this N. Korean missile (4,600 km) appears the longest distance travelled for a North Korean test fire, often “lofted” higher into space to avoid flying over neighbouring countries.
Meanwhile, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol warned of a resolute response following the launch.
Both leaders convened emergency meetings of their respective national security councils.
“(The NSC) made it clear that continued North Korean provocations cannot be tolerated and that there would be a price to be paid,” the statement from Yoon’s office said, adding that Seoul would seek various deterrence measures against North Korea, including strengthening sanctions.
