North Korea’s long-range ballistic missile launch concerns US, Japan

The United States and Japan have raised concerns after North Korea fired a long-range missile Thursday morning. The intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) landed in waters controlled by Japan and is capable of reaching the US mainland.

“The two Leaders discussed DPRK’s launch of a long-range ballistic missile, which both Leaders strongly condemned, stressed the need for diplomacy, and agreed to continue working together to hold the DPRK accountable,” a White House official said in a statement about the meeting between US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Brussels.

The meeting between Biden and Kishida took place on the sidelines of a gathering with NATO and Group of Seven (G-7) leaders in Brussels in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

Also Read | North Korean missile, probably ballistic, lands in Japan economic zone

North Korea’s latest missile test is said to be the first ICBM since 2017. The missile traveled nearly 700 miles before crashing into the water west of Japan.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in also reacted to the launch saying that Kim Jong Un “broke the moratorium on the ICBM that he promised to the international community, causing a serious threat to the Korean Peninsula, the surrounding region and the international community.”

Condemning Kim’s regime’s action, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement: “This launch is a brazen violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions and needlessly raises tensions and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region. This action demonstrates that the DPRK continues to prioritize its weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs over the well-being of its people.”

Also Read | N. Korea fires artillery into sea days after missile launch

The latest is North Korea’s 12th round of weapons launch this year. It also comes after Pyongyang fired suspected artillery pieces into the sea on Sunday.

According to Japanese officials, Thursday’s missile appeared to be more powerful than the one North Korea fired five years ago, reaching an altitude of more than 3,730 miles.

The regime has long continued its military threats over its neighbors. It also aims to expand its nuclear reach over the American homeland.