Japan is concerned about North Korea's tests
Washington. September 13. INTERFAX-North Korea's test launches pose a threat to the region and beyond, the Indo-Pacific Command of the US Armed Forces said in a statement.
"We are aware of reports about the launches of cruise missiles by the DPRK. We will continue to monitor the situation and are consulting closely with our allies and partners," the US Indo-Pacific Command said in a statement.
"This activity underscores the DPRK's constant attention to the development of its military program and the threats it poses to its neighbors and the international community," the statement says.
"The US commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea and Japan remains unbreakable," the US military department added.
In turn, the Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea reported that an in-depth analysis of the missile test is being conducted in close cooperation with the US intelligence agencies.
But the South Korean military refused to say exactly where the tests were conducted and whether it was known about them in advance.
Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the Government of Japan, Katsunobu Kato, said during a press conference: "The Japanese government is constantly closely monitoring all North Korea's military movements."
"(...) If the flight range of 1.5 thousand km corresponds to reality, then this poses a threat to peace and security in the region around Japan, which causes concern to Japan," Kato added.
Earlier, North Korea announced successful tests of a new type of long-range cruise missiles.
The North Korean KCNA news agency calls long-range cruise missiles "strategic weapons of extreme importance."
"Thorough tests of rocket components, many engine tests, various flight tests, tests of control and control systems, tests of warhead power, as well as other tests were successfully carried out," KCNA reports.
