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In a tense development on Tuesday, North Korea reportedly launched a ballistic missile, prompting an emergency alert in Japan. The Japanese government swiftly issued a warning, specifically targeting residents in the southern region, urging them to take cover in response to the potential threat posed by the North Korean missile.
The alert, broadcasted through Japan's J-Alert system, indicated that North Korea had initiated a missile launch. The affected area primarily encompassed the southern prefecture of Okinawa, heightening concerns about the security situation.
Earlier on the same day, North Korea had notified Japan of its intention to launch a satellite. However, both Tokyo and Seoul expressed skepticism, suggesting that this move might be a third attempt by North Korea to place a spy satellite into orbit, thereby violating United Nations Security Council resolutions.
It's important to note that the United Nations prohibits any use of ballistic rocket technology by North Korea, even for non-military purposes. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, responding to the situation, directed the government to engage in dialogue with Pyongyang, seeking to dissuade them from proceeding with the satellite launch. This diplomatic effort is in collaboration with the United States and South Korea.
Kishida emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "If (North Korea) uses ballistic missile technology, that will constitute a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, even if it is aimed at launching a satellite."
NHK, Japan's national broadcaster, has suggested that the launched object is likely a satellite. Additional reports indicate that the missile's trajectory pointed towards the Pacific Ocean, leading to the subsequent lifting of the emergency alert.
Crucially, Japan's coastguard opted not to take any measures to destroy the missile, as confirmed by the defense ministry. This incident underscores the delicate geopolitical tensions in the region and the ongoing challenges in enforcing international resolutions against North Korea's missile activities.
[With information sourced from Metro UK]
