North Korea prepares to launch satellite for the third time this year
Kyodo News reported on November 21 that North Korea had informed the Japanese Coast Guard of its plan to launch a satellite between November 22 and December 1.
In response to the move by its neighbor, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said that government ministries and agencies have made full preparations for the possibility of a satellite launch. The leader said that the country's defense systems, including Aegis destroyers and PAC-3 air defense missile systems, have been activated to guard against any "unforeseen situations that may arise."
"Although the goal is to launch a satellite, Pyongyang's use of ballistic missile technology is a violation of a series of United Nations Security Council resolutions," Mr. Kishida emphasized.
"It is also a matter of great national security significance," the prime minister said, adding that Tokyo would work with the United States, South Korea and others to urge North Korea to abandon the plan.
North Korea has already launched two satellites this year, but they have failed. The test is being prepared to mark the first such attempt since North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited Russia in September and was offered help by Russian President Vladimir Putin to build a satellite.
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While Japan readied its warships, South Korea issued warnings to ships traveling in waters that could be affected by the launch, Yonhap reported.
The information from Pyongyang was released hours before the US aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson docked at Busan port on November 21, in a move that the South Korean military said was aimed at expanding deterrence against threats from North Korea.
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