The Japanese Cabinet Ministers attending the country’s National Security Council have confirmed that Japan will brace itself for possible emergencies and collect intelligence following North Korea’s firing of a ballistic missile.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso, Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, Defense Minister Tomomi Inada and others attended the meeting held on Wednesday.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters that the meeting is concerned that North Korea may take further provocative actions. He added that Japan will continue putting itself on high alert against such moves, while gathering intelligence jointly with the United States and South Korea.
Asked from reporters about possible US military actions against the North, Suga declined commenting on future US moves. He said that the US has responded to the North with a stance that every option is open.
Suga also said the government has strongly criticized the missile launch and filed a strong protest with North Korea through diplomatic channels in Beijing.
He added that the government will also make use of every opportunity in coordinating views with China to prevent North Korea from conducting provocations. He said China has the largest influence on the North.
Source and image: NHK
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