North Korea launches a ballistic missile that falls outside Japan's EEZ

According to NHK, at around 2:53 p.m. on the 14th, a ballistic missile was launched from inland North Korea in a northeast direction, flew approximately 500 kilometers, and is estimated to have fallen into the Sea of ​​Japan near the east coast of the Korean Peninsula. . The South Korean military also announced that a ballistic missile was launched from North Korea at the same time. During his visit to Kanazawa City, Prime Minister Kishida stated, ``I have given instructions to understand the situation, provide appropriate information to the public, and ensure the safety of ships and other vessels.'' The Japanese government has issued a strong protest to North Korea in response to this launch.

According to South Korea's Yonghap News Agency, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff announced on Sunday the 14th that North Korea was heading towards the Sea of ​​Japan (South Korean name: East Sea) from near the capital Pyongyang on the east side of the Korean peninsula at around 2:55 p.m. local time. It was announced that Japan had launched a missile estimated to be an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM, with a range of 3,000 to 5,500 km). This is the first missile launch by North Korea since the launch of an ICBM intercontinental ballistic missile on the 18th of last month, and the first time this year. Additionally, Japanese media outlets have reported that the Ministry of Defense is continuing to exercise caution and monitoring, and that there has been no confirmation of any damage to ships or aircraft caused by this launch. Regarding this incident, Prime Minister Kishida told reporters in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, where he was visiting, ``I have given instructions to take all possible precautions, including understanding the situation.'' In addition, the Japanese government issued a strict warning against North Korea, saying, ``North Korea's series of actions threaten the peace and security of Japan, the region, and the international community, violate United Nations Security Council resolutions, and are a serious problem affecting the safety of its people.'' We protested and strongly condemned it." North Korea has always viewed joint military exercises with the United States and its regional allies such as Japan and South Korea as a factor that disrupts peace and stability in the region, especially unless the United States ceases hostilities against North Korea. It claims to continue its nuclear and missile programs.