N.korea Fires Icbm - Class Missile, Lands In Sea Of Japan
Japan's Defense Ministry says North Korea has launched what appears to be a new type of inter-continental ballistic missile.
Japanese officials believe it fell into the sea off the northern prefecture of Hokkaido on Thursday.
Prime Minister Kishida Fumio condemned the launch, before the G7 summit in Brussels.
He said, "Since the beginning of this year, North Korea has very frequently launched ballistic missiles, including a new type of ICBM.
The series of actions by North Korea threatens the peace and security of Japan, the region and the international community, and can never be tolerated.
The latest ballistic missile launch is also a violation of relevant Security Council resolutions. We strongly protest and strongly condemn it.
Regarding future actions including possible sanctions, we will work closely with countries including the United States and South Korea.
I want to confirm our cooperation in dealing with North Korea's ballistic missile program with other G7 leaders."
Japan has lodged a protest with Pyongyang through diplomatic channels.
Japanese officials say the missile flew for about 71 minutes before falling into the Sea of Japan, about 150 kilometers west of Hokkaido. That is within Japan's exclusive economic zone, outside its territorial waters.
The officials estimate the missile flew about 1,100 kilometers and reached a height of more than 6,000 kilometers, North Korea's highest launch ever.
They say the country may have launched a new type of ICBM on what's known as a "lofted trajectory." That is on a steep angle that sends the missile higher.
This is North Korea's 11th missile launch this year.