DP Policy Research Committee Chair Takeshi Shina issued the
following statement.
At approximately 6:57 a.m. today, North Korea once again
launched a ballistic missile that crossed the sky over Hokkaido and
came down in the Pacific Ocean approximately 2,000 kilometers east
of Cape Erimo. The reckless action of repeatedly firing missiles
through the air above Japan is an extremely serious threat that
undermines the peace and safety of Japan and the region, and is
totally unacceptable. We firmly oppose and strongly condemn North
Korea.
The latest ballistic missile launch clearly violates successive
United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. Not only that,
a new UNSC resolution on North Korea was adopted unanimously and
promptly on September 11, and so the missile launch represents a
grave defiance of the entire international community’s firm
declaration of intent. The international community needs to fully
impose strict economic sanctions on North Korea. Simultaneously, it
will be extremely important for the Government of Japan to calmly
display its diplomatic ability, including by consulting closely
with the Republic of Korea, China and other countries, against the
backdrop of the solid Japan-United States Alliance.
Furthermore, we also hope to have the Government continue with surveillance and monitoring and information gathering, as well as make a more concerted effort to ensure the safety of citizens and provide prompt and accurate information. In particular, we call for greater efforts by the Government to ensure that more effective responses are taken with regard to issuing J-Alerts and carrying out evacuation guidance.