Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida today tasked his cabinet with gathering and analyzing information on North Korea’s plans. The launch would use technology also used in ballistic missiles. It would be against all laws, said Chief of Staff Hirokazu Matsuno. “Even if it’s to launch a rocket into space.”
Provocation
Matsuno also called it a “serious provocation” if North Korea went ahead with launching the missile “they call a satellite”. “Any launch with such technology is a direct violation of Security Council resolutions.”
The planned North Korean satellite launch comes a day after South Korea itself launched several satellites in a bid to expand its space program.
The South Korean government has tried to persuade North Korea to immediately withdraw its “illegal launch plans” and has immediately warned against any provocation that could undermine peace in the region, a statement said. Otherwise, South Korea has threatened to take action with the international community, which means close cooperation with the United States and Japan.