Japan maintains high alert for North Korean missile launches

Japan remains on high alert for North Korean missiles after the launch window declared by the North in late May expired at midnight between Saturday and Sunday.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu told reporters on Monday that North Korea may attempt another launch using ballistic missile technologies as the country has said it will conduct a second one at an early date.

The launch of the North's first military reconnaissance satellite on May 31 ended with it crashing into the Yellow Sea west of the Korean Peninsula.

On Sunday, Defense Minister Hamada Yasukazu extended the order for the Self-Defense Forces to destroy any incoming ballistic missiles that are likely to fall within Japanese territory.

Matsuno said the government will build an appropriate system based on the comprehensive analysis and evaluation of information to cope with any situation.

Matsuno also criticized North Korea's launch attempt. He said that even if the North had intended to launch a satellite, it had violated UN Security Council resolutions that ban the country's use of ballistic missile technologies.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230612_14/