North Korean Missile Passes Through Japanese Airspace; Tokyo Calls It Outrageous

In North Korea's latest missile test, which involved a missile passing through Japanese airspace, officials from the United States, Japan, and South Korea have spoken about increasing pressure and showing a "strong response" to Pyongyang. According to the Japanese Prime Minister's Office, Shinzo Abe and U.S. President Donald Trump have agreed to intensify their efforts to impose further pressure on North Korea. Mr. Abe described North Korea's recent test as a "serious threat" and stated that "this outrageous act is unprecedented and serious." The Japanese Prime Minister has also called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council. The Security Council recently passed a resolution related to North Korea's military tests, imposing new sanctions against Pyongyang. The full implementation of these sanctions could significantly reduce North Korea's foreign income. The Security Council has prohibited ballistic and nuclear tests by North Korea. Concurrently with the statements from the Japanese Prime Minister, the Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff and his South Korean counterpart have discussed and agreed that both sides must show a "strong response" and pursue "military measures." South Korean President Moon Jae-in has also urged his country's military to demonstrate its defensive capabilities in preparation for a potential attack from North Korea. A spokesperson for Mr. Moon told reporters that an F-15 fighter jet is set to showcase these defensive capabilities by dropping Mark 84 bombs near the border between the two countries. The missile launch, or limited air or military exercises, following North Korea's missile tests is not a new subject and has a history. The latest missile test by North Korea was conducted on the morning of September 7; this time, the launched missile passed over Japanese territory before separating and landing in waters off the coast of Japan. Japanese officials say the missile traveled nearly 2,700 kilometers and reached an altitude of 550 kilometers. Therefore, it is likely one of the medium-range ballistic missiles that Pyongyang tested in May. This category of missiles likely has the capability to reach U.S. soil. The Pentagon has stated that the recent test does not pose a threat to the northern part of the North American continent.