Japan says North Korean missile launches undermine regional security

Rocket launches by the DPRK undermine security and stability in the region, and the Japanese authorities expect Pyongyang to carry out new provocations, including a nuclear test. According to TASS, this was stated by the Secretary General of the Cabinet of Ministers of Japan, Hirokazu Matsuno.

“We are aware of the statements by the North Korean side that the missiles flew about 1.5 thousand km. If this is true, then this undermines security and stability in the region, and causes our country extreme concern,” he said.

Matsuno stressed that the Japanese government is closely monitoring the military activity of the DPRK and is collecting relevant information, but refrained from more detailed comments on this matter.

Touching upon the topic of joint military exercises between the US and South Korea starting on March 13, the Secretary General of the Japanese Cabinet expressed confidence that they contribute to maintaining peace and security in the region. Matsuno once again noted that, according to the estimates of the Japanese government, the DPRK in the future “may resort to new provocations, including conducting a nuclear test.”

On Monday, Voice of Korea radio announced that two strategic cruise missiles launched by the DPRK on March 12 from the Yeonun 8.24 submarine flew 1,500 km. The DPRK authorities have previously warned that Seoul and Washington are waiting for countermeasures if they implement their ambitious plans for joint maneuvers.