TOKYO: North Korea on Monday launched a missile into the sea, Japan and South Korea said, hours after North Korea announced plans to put a rocket into orbit apparently carrying its second military reconnaissance satellite.
The missile launch came after North Korea had earlier informed Japan’s coast guard of its intention to launch “a satellite rocket” within a designated launch window spanning from Monday to June 3.
Following the missile launch, the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office lifted a missile alert issued for the island of Okinawa, stating that the trajectory of the missile did not pose a threat to the region.
Last November, North Korea successfully placed its first military reconnaissance satellite into orbit, signaling its ambition to establish a space-based surveillance network. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un subsequently announced plans to launch three additional military spy satellites in 2024.
The United Nations prohibits North Korea from conducting satellite launches, viewing them as disguised tests of long-range missile technology. However, North Korea has consistently asserted its right to conduct satellite launches and missile tests. Kim Jong Un has emphasized the importance of spy satellites in bolstering North Korea’s surveillance capabilities and enhancing the perceived threat of its nuclear-capable missiles.
North Korea’s provision of launch information to Japan underscores the role of Japan’s coast guard in coordinating and disseminating maritime safety information in East Asia.
