The statement was made on May 29 after North Korea informed Japan of its plan to launch a satellite with a rocket from May 5 to June 31. North Korea says it has completed its first military reconnaissance satellite and leader Kim Jong-un has approved final preparations for a satellite launch.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspects North Korea's National Aerospace Development Agency. Photo: Reuters
Analysts say the military satellite will enhance North Korea's surveillance capabilities and improve its ability to strike targets in the event of a conflict.
Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada has ordered readiness to intercept any missile launched by North Korea if it is confirmed that it will land on Japanese territory. Preparations include deployment of Patriot PAC-3 air defense missiles and Aegis destroyers armed with SM-3 interceptors.
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio said that all missile launches by North Korea, including satellite launches, violate United Nations Security Council resolutions and pose a serious threat to the safety of the Japanese people. Copy.
"We strongly urge North Korea to refrain from launching missiles," the prime minister's office said earlier on Twitter. The Japanese prime minister's office also said it would cooperate with relevant countries such as the US and South Korea.
Security Council resolutions ban North Korea from testing ballistic missiles. However, Pyongyang argues that this ban does not apply to its space program for civilian purposes.
Japan, South Korea and the United States all say that North Korea's satellite launches are just a "cover" to test missiles because they apply the same technology.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in May inspected a military satellite facility, according to North Korean news agency KCNA.
North Korean media has previously criticized plans by South Korea, the United States and Japan to share real-time data on their country's missile launches, describing the three as discussing "dangerous measures." to strengthen military cooperation.
