TOKYO —

The Japanese government responded calmly Friday to North Korea’s missile test-firing the previous day, but warned Japan would take action if the situation threatened its security. ‘‘I don’t see that (the missile launch) has caused a serious problem at this point…but we will closely watch the situation and take all necessary measures (to protect the Japanese people) if the situation threatens the nation’s security,’’ Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura said at a news conference.
   
On Thursday night, North Korea test-fired four short-range missiles off its east coast into the Sea of Japan, the South Korean Defense Ministry and military officials said. Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone viewed Pyongyang’s fresh missile test-firing as ‘‘a problem,’’ noting that it could lead to the development of ballistic missiles. Thursday’s missile tests took place within a month of the U.N. Security Council adopting a resolution in mid-June urging member states to impose fresh sanctions on the North. On the prospect of North Korea’s firing mid- to long-range missiles, Kawamura said the Japanese government will try to gather information and take all possible steps to ensure Japan’s safety. But the government’s top spokesman added, ‘‘We have not ruled out the possibility of the North’s launching (mid- to long-range missiles), but it is not a situation we can predict.’’

Kyodo

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3 Comments

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  Farmboy at 06:45 PM JST - 3rd July

  *Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone viewed Pyongyang’s fresh missile test-firing as ‘‘a problem,’’ * I would agree with this bold assessment.

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  smithinjapan at 10:18 PM JST - 3rd July

  Well, sounds like they responded well this time. Good on them.

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  sfjp330 at 03:34 AM JST - 7th July

  Regarding meetings between President Obana and Russian leader Medvedev, they are discussing the issues of North Korea and problems of security in this region. U.S. wants more direct Russian involvement and defining the roles and specific actions for neutralization of North Korea and other unstable countries. If Russian leaders Medvedev and Putin gets involved agressively in North Korea issues, the Chinese will be more forceful in defining North Korea roles and they will probably not have any choice. North Koreans do not want to have direct confrontation with the Russians.

  Since North Korea is within the short proximity of the missles, Foreign Minister Nakasome stated concern with this problem because of repeated instability in this region. He has to advised the Japanese public that he is aware of the situation and they are aware of the concerns, which is a normal public relations statement. This recent missile firing is nothing more than a attention getter.

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