The Foreign Ministry on Wednesday condemned North Korea’s Tuesday evening launch of a suspected military reconnaissance satellite. The ministry says this was North Korea's third attempt since previous failures in May and August this year. The ministry calls on North Korea to adhere to United Nations Security Council resolutions and embrace dialogue to promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and the broader region.
North Korea previously stated its intent to launch a reconnaissance satellite on Wednesday but launched ahead of schedule. The satellite named Marikyo 1 was reportedly launched over the sea west of Baengnyeong Island late Tuesday. The ministry says that this marks the 22nd time North Korea has used missiles for testing and launching military weapons this year. It says the use of satellite technology and other coercive measures by North Korea continues to erode regional peace and security.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pointed out that, while Japan is still analyzing the situation, at least one missile flew over Okinawa and entered the Pacific Ocean. This has triggered strong criticism from the United Nations, the United States, Japan, South Korea, and other concerned nations.