North Korea launched a possible ballistic missile, Japan and South Korea said on Monday. The projectile is believed to have fallen outside Japan's exclusive economic zone, public broadcaster NHK cited government officials as informing, news agency AFP reported. The South Korean ministry also stated that Pyongyang fired a ballistic missile toward the Sea of Japan, Kyodo news agency reported.
"North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile. More updates to follow," a tweet by the Japanese Prime Minister's Office (PMO) read.
It added, "Dedicate maximum effort to gather & analyze information, & provide the public speedy & adequate information. 2. Ensure the safety of aircraft, vessels, & other assets. 3. Take all possible measures for precaution, incl. readiness for contingencies."
North Korea routinely conducts weapons tests and the suspected test comes days after its autocrat Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the firing of the country's newest intercontinental ballistic missile, the solid-fuel Hwasong-18.
The ties between the two Koreas are currently at one of their lowest historical points with diplomacy between Pyongyang and Seoul stalled. The North Korean dictator has called for increasing weapons development, including tactical nukes.
In response, Seoul and Washington staged joint military exercises that involved advanced stealth jets and US strategic assets.
The launch also comes as North Korea is to celebrate this week marking the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War.
According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), a Chinese delegation will travel to the North in what is being seen as the first known visit by a foreign delegation to North Korea since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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