Japan Tightening Vigilance amid N. Korea Provocations

Tokyo, Oct. 31 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government is strengthening its vigilance amid increasing provocations by Pyongyang, in response to North Korea's ballistic missile launch Thursday morning. 

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba convened a meeting of the National Security Council following the launch of what is believed to be an intercontinental ballistic missile.

Participants confirmed the policy of collecting and analyzing information in cooperation with the United States and South Korea and taking all possible measures, including surveillance activities by the Self-Defense Forces.

The launch is "an outrageous act that escalates tensions in the international community as a whole," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told a hastily arranged press conference after the NSC meeting.

The missile marked flight duration and maximum altitude records for North Korean missiles. Some observers are speculating that North Korea may conduct a nuclear test ahead of the U.S. presidential election Tuesday.

"North Korea has consistently shown its will to strengthen its nuclear and missile capabilities," Hayashi said.

North Korea may make further provocative actions, including launches of various missiles and nuclear tests, he added.

Hayashi also said that the government is analyzing whether North Korea has improved its missile technologies as it enhances military cooperation with Russia.

Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said that the latest missile is an ICBM-class missile and that it at least went beyond conventional missiles. But he declined to say whether it was a new type.

In response to Thursday's launch, Ishiba instructed relevant government agencies to collect and analyze information, promptly provide necessary information to the public and ensure the safety of aircraft and ships.

The Foreign Ministry lodged a stern protest with North Korea through its embassy channels in Beijing.

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