Tokyo - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has called on North Korea to abandon its intended satellite launch, less than three months after a failed attempt resulted in a military satellite plummeting into the sea in May.
The proposed satellite launch follows North Korea's unsuccessful launch of a rocket carrying a spy satellite, which ended in the satellite crashing into the sea shortly after liftoff, marking a significant setback.
The timing of this launch coincides with the annual joint military exercises conducted by the United States and South Korea, which began on August 21 and are scheduled to continue for 11 days. These exercises, known as the Ulchi Freedom Shield drills, have traditionally been seen by North Korea as a practice for an invasion and have prompted the country to carry out provocative missile tests in response. This year's training program includes both computer-based command post-training and over 30 field training exercises.
In response to North Korea's intentions, Prime Minister Kishida's office reported that he has directed relevant authorities to collect and analyze information, and to be prepared for any potential emergencies. Additionally, he has emphasized the importance of collaboration with the United States, South Korea, and other concerned nations in urging North Korea to reconsider the launch.
While North Korea has communicated its plan to proceed with the satellite launch within the upcoming days, Japan's coast guard has indicated that the launch window is expected to span from August 24 to the end of August 30. The notice, however, did not specify the type of satellite to be launched, although it is speculated to be similar to the spy satellite involved in the failed May launch. North Korea has also identified three regions that may be affected by the launch—off the western coast of the Korean Peninsula, the East China Sea, and east of the Philippine island of Luzon.
Prime Minister Kishida's office shared his directives through the official Twitter account, where he emphasized the importance of gathering information, coordinating with concerned nations, and ensuring the safety of Japanese citizens.