Japan Ministry of Defense Confirms Launch of 2 North Korean Ballistic Missiles, No Violation of Airspace or EEZ

Fifth Missile Launch This Year... Japanese Authorities Also on Alert
Considering Negotiations with the US... "An Attempt to Divert Attention from Afghanistan"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Japan's Ministry of Defense confirmed that North Korea launched two ballistic missiles into the East Sea and announced that the missile projectiles did not violate Japan's airspace or exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This is the fifth missile launch by North Korea this year, and the Japanese government is closely monitoring the intensity and impact of North Korea's provocations.

On the 15th, Japan's Ministry of Defense stated in a press release, "It has been confirmed that North Korea launched two ballistic missiles," adding, "They did not violate Japan's airspace or EEZ, and it is estimated that missile debris will not fall within Japanese territory." The ministry further emphasized, "North Korea's repeated ballistic missile launches pose a serious challenge to the international community, including Japan," and pledged, "We will devote all efforts to intelligence gathering and surveillance to protect the lives and property of our citizens."

Earlier, South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities announced around 1 p.m. that North Korea had launched two ballistic missiles from the central inland area into the East Sea. This marks North Korea's fifth missile launch this year. Previously, on the 13th, North Korea announced a successful launch of a long-range cruise missile and launched missiles into the East Sea just two days later.

This launch is interpreted as North Korea's move to attract U.S. attention and gain leverage in dialogue and negotiations. Earlier, North Korea launched cruise missiles on January 22 and March 21, shortly after U.S. President Joe Biden took office, and on March 25, it launched short-range ballistic missiles, drawing the attention of the U.S. and the international community.

NHK cited a Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs official saying, "This missile launch is presumed to be a provocative act intended to divert international attention, which is currently focused on Afghanistan, back to North Korea."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.