TOKYO: The Japanese Coast Guard on Tuesday said that North Korea is set to launch a satellite between August 24-31 in the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea, reported Western media.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, said that his country would cooperate with South Korea and the United States to monitor the launch.
N. Korea to Launch Satellite, says Japan
According to the Coast Guard, the North Korean satellite is expected to fall near Japan’s exclusive economic zone if launched.
2. In coordination with the United States of America, the Republic of Korea, and other countries concerned, strongly urge North Korea to exercise restraint and refrain from conducting a launch.
— PM's Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) August 22, 2023
After the development, the Prime minister directed his authorities to take all possible measures to gather and analyze information through the cooperation of the relevant ministries and agencies and provide information to the public properly.
In his statement, the PM strongly urged North Korea to show restraint and refrain from conducting a launch, adding that the United States, South Korea, and other countries are concerned about the launch of the satellite.
He asked the Japanese officials to take all possible measures to ensure the safety and security of the people.
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Meanwhile, official media of North Korea reported on Monday that its leader Kim Jong Un had overseen a test of strategic cruise missiles, as the US and South Korea have started annual military exercises.
North Korea has long accused the allies’ military drills of rehearsals for an invasion against it. Kim has recently called for a boost in the country’s missile production capability.
