North Korea is preparing to launch a satellite test for the third time this year
Kyodo News reported on November 21 that North Korea had informed the Japanese Coast Guard of its plan to launch a satellite from November 22 to December 1.
In response to the neighbor’s move, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio said that ministries and government agencies have fully prepared for the possibility of launching satellites. The leader said the country’s defense systems, including Aegis-class destroyers and PAC-3 air defense missile systems, were activated to prevent any “unexpected situation arising”.
“Even though the goal is to launch satellites, Pyongyang’s use of ballistic missile technology is a violation of a series of United Nations Security Council resolutions,” Mr. Kishida emphasized.
“It is also an issue that greatly affects (Japan’s) national security,” the prime minister affirmed, adding that the Tokyo government will cooperate with the US, South Korea and other countries to urge North Korea to cancel abandon the above plan.
North Korea has launched satellites twice this year but failed. The test being prepared marks the first effort after North Korean President Kim Jong-un visited Russia in September and was asked by Russian President Vladimir Putin to support satellite creation.
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While Japan readied its warships, South Korea issued a warning to ships traveling in waters that could be affected by the launch, Yonhap reported.
Information from Pyongyang was released a few hours before the US aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson docked at Busan port on November 21, in a move that according to the South Korean military is aimed at expanding deterrence against threats from North Korea. .
Tags: North Korea prepares launch satellite Japan prepares warships South Korea warns
