China shows "worry" about being able to cover the entire US continent

Japan assessed that the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that North Korea launched on the morning of October 31 had the longest flight time compared to previous test missiles.

North Korean missiles have once again worried the US and its allies in Northeast Asia. (Source: Financial Times)

Kyodo news agency reported that speaking to the press, Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani Gen commented: "This is the longest-flying missile ever flown by North Korea."

Meanwhile, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa assessed: "Based on information obtained such as range and altitude, the estimated range of the intercontinental ballistic missile launched by North Korea could reach more than 15,000 km depending on the warhead weight."

At this distance and launched at a normal angle, a North Korean missile could potentially reach the entire continental United States, even if it could carry heavier warheads.

Previously, North Korea confirmed that it had conducted an ICBM test launch, claiming that the launch had set a new record surpassing all previous tests, but did not specify which criteria.

The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) cited information from the Ministry of Defense as saying that the ICBM was detected at 7:16 a.m. on October 31 (local time).

The Crisis Management Center at the Japanese Prime Minister's Office is actively gathering information on the incident.

This is North Korea's first weapons test since it was accused of sending troops to Russia.

In the latest response to North Korea's launch, AFP news agency reported that Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian expressed "concern" about the situation on the Korean peninsula.

Speaking at a press conference in Beijing, Mr. Lam Kiem emphasized: "China has always been consistent in maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula, promoting the political settlement process in accordance with the common interests of all parties. We hope that all parties will make efforts towards this goal."

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/vu-trieu-tien-phong-thu-icbm-co-the-du-suc-bao-trum-toan-luc-dia-my-trung-quoc-to-noi-lo-292068.html