October 3, 2019

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo on October 2 published a statement in protest against North Korea's ballistic missile launch. The full text of his statement is as follows:

Around 7 a.m. today, North Korea fired airborne projectiles, possibly ballistic missiles, which landed in Japan's EEZ off Shimane Prefecture.

This is a violation of the UNSC resolution prohibiting North Korea from conducting "any further launches that use ballistic missile technology" or "any other provocation". I strongly protest the launch as it threatens the safe navigation of aircraft and ships.

Since May this year, North Korea has launched short-range ballistic missiles and multiple projectiles. This time, North Korea fired the alleged ballistic missiles from the sea with their ranges extended. Therefore, the latest launch is more serious.

Such a military provocation runs counter to the trend started last year to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and to achieve peace in Northeast Asia.

I demand that North Korea stop all military provocations and choose seriously the path of resolution through dialogue in line with the agreement it reached with the United States.

Past related articles:
> Trump and Kim in meeting at Panmunjom agree to resume denuclearization talks [July 1, 2019]
> Kasai comments on N. Korea’s ‘projectile’ launches [May 11, 2019]