Japan's Self - Defense Forces Did Not Act To Destroy Missile
Japan's top government spokesperson says the country's Self-Defense Forces did not take measures to destroy the missile launched by North Korea on Tuesday morning.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu says the SDF detected and tracked the missile from launch to landing.
He said they did not believe the missile would cause damage in Japanese territory. But he said the launch posed risks.
The chief Cabinet secretary said, "Launching a ballistic missile that passes over Japan without prior notice is an extremely problematic action, not only from the viewpoint of aircraft and ships, but also in ensuring the safety of residents in areas within its path. Following the latest missile launch, the Japanese government immediately lodged a strong protest with North Korea through its embassy in Beijing and condemned the country in the strongest terms."
Matsuno explained that the Japanese government is making necessary arrangements and closely cooperating with the United States, South Korea and other countries to consider a response to the missile launch as soon as possible.
He noted that the government would consider how to respond in a realistic manner, saying that the Japanese government would determine its new national security strategy without ruling out counterstrike capabilities or other options.
He said Japan will step up its efforts to swiftly strengthen its defense capability drastically.
Matsuno said the defense ministry and the SDF are in a state of preparedness at all times to protect lives and property under any circumstance.