Press Conference by the Prime Minister on North Korea's Suspected Launch of Ballistic Missile and Others

"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)

Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations

National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Press Conference by the Prime Minister on North Korea's Suspected Launch of Ballistic Missile and Others

[Place]

[Date] January 11, 2022

[Source] Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet

[Notes] Provisional Translation

[Full text]

(Regarding North Korea's suspected launch of ballistic missile)

Let me start by referring to North Korea's launch of a missile. A short while ago, North Korea fired a projectile presumed to be a ballistic missile. In response to the incident, I have given three instructions: firstly to dedicate maximum effort to gather and analyze relevant intelligence with a view to providing the public with speedy and accurate information; secondly to ensure the safety of aircraft, vessels and other assets; and thirdly to take all possible measures to prepare for contingencies.

The United Nations Security Council had just discussed how they will respond to the launch of a ballistic missile by North Korea the other day. It is extremely regrettable that in defiance of such international response, North Korea fired another missile.

The Government is committed to further strengthening its vigilance and monitoring, while urgently analyzing the details of the latest launch. I will immediately inform you of what will be clarified as a result of the analysis.