North Korea has conducted another missile test. Due to the warning that a missile could fall in the Hokkaido region in the north of Japan due to the missile test, a call was made to the people to evacuate, and sirens were sounded in the streets. While it was stated that the evacuation call was made inadvertently after the warning, Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu argued that the warning and evacuation call, albeit inadvertently, was appropriate.
NEW MISSILE TRIAL
Japan’s Ministry of Defense announced that North Korea has launched a medium or long-range ballistic missile in the direction of the Sea of Japan (East Sea).
CALL FOR evacuation, sirens sounded on the streets
The Japan Coast Guard has issued a message that the ballistic missile may fall into the Hokkaido region in the north of the country. The “J-Alert” early warning system called for people in the area to evacuate inside buildings or underground shelters, and sirens were sounded on the streets.
It was reported that the evacuation call was made inadvertently after the warning at around 07.50 local time.
The ministry announced that a protest note was sent to North Korea through the Japanese Embassy in Beijing.
SPEED TRAINS STOPPED
Cabinet Chief Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu told reporters that the inadvertent warning and evacuation call was appropriate because of J-Alert’s role.
Japanese Defense Minister Hamada Yasukazu announced that the ballistic missile fell off the coast of Hokkaido and outside the Japanese exclusive economic zone at around 08:00 local time.
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio announced that he will convene the National Security Council on the threatening missile test and conduct due diligence on the J-Alert system.
High-speed train services throughout the region were stopped for a short time.
AUTHORITIES OF THREE COUNTRIES MEET
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff announced that the medium or long-range missile was launched at 07:23 local time from the capital Pyongyang in the direction of the Sea of Japan.
Regarding the missile, which traveled 1000 kilometers in the air, the test was described as “a serious provocative act that harmed the peace and stability of not only the Korean Peninsula but also the international community”.
U.S., Japanese and South Korean Foreign Ministry officials, who made a phone call, announced that they would strengthen tripartite regional cooperation towards the full denuclearization of North Korea.
The trial came after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s call to strengthen his country’s military deterrence in a “more practical and aggressive” way.
CONDEMNATION OF MISSILE TRIAL FROM USA
On the other hand, White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson, in a written statement on the subject, said, “The United States strongly condemns North Korea for its long-range ballistic missile test.” made his statement.
Noting that President Joe Biden and the national security team, in close coordination with allies and partners, evaluated the situation, Watson said that North Korea’s missile launch test was an “arrogant violation” of relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Pointing out that the test in question would unnecessarily escalate tensions and increase the risk of destabilizing security in the region, Watson said, “This action demonstrates that North Korea continues to prioritize its illegal weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs over the welfare of its people.” used the phrase.
Stating that they urged all countries to condemn these violations and urge North Korea to sit at the table for negotiations, Watson noted that the door to diplomacy is open in this context.
Watson urged Pyonyang to immediately cease its destabilizing actions and opt for diplomatic engagement, underscoring that the United States would take all necessary measures to ensure the security of itself and its allies South Korea and Japan.
Source: AA