Minoru Kihara: Japan remains concerned about China's missile launch - VIDEO | News. az
Photo: Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru KiharaJapan has expressed concern over China's latest submarine-launched ballistic missile test, saying it will continue to closely monitor the situation from the. . .
Photo: Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru KiharaJapan has expressed concern over China's latest submarine-launched ballistic missile test, saying it will continue to closely monitor the situation from the standpoint of national and regional security. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said the government was aware of Chinese media reports that China had launched a submarine-launched strategic missile carrying a dummy training warhead toward a designated exercise area in the Pacific Ocean,News. Azreports. RECOMMENDED STORIESJapan's Chief Cabinet Secretary: China's expanding nuclear arsenal is a serious concern -VIDEOChina launches missile in nuclear-free South Pacific regionAsian shares drop as investors await key earnings seasonTaiwan tracks rise in Chinese naval activityAccording to Kihara, China described the launch as part of a routine annual military exercise, adding that relevant countries had been notified in advance and that the test was not aimed at any specific country or target. "We are currently confirming the details of this launch by China. However, based on a comprehensive assessment of the information obtained so far, we have not confirmed that the missile launched by China passed over Japan's territory or its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). We have also received no reports of damage to Japanese aircraft or vessels," Kihara said. The chief cabinet secretary noted that on July 5, the Japan Coast Guard received information from Chinese hydrographic authorities that a restricted area would be established south of Cape Shionomisaki due to the anticipated fall of space debris. Since part of the designated area overlapped with Japan's EEZ, the Japan Coast Guard issued navigational warnings, while the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM). Kihara also said that on the morning of July 6, the Japanese Embassy in Beijing was informed by China's Ministry of National Defense that a ballistic missile would be launched. "In response, we conveyed our serious concern over the increasing level of China's military activities," he said. "From the perspective of the security of Japan and the region, the government remains concerned about this missile launch. We will continue to maintain the highest level of vigilance and surveillance while closely monitoring related developments," Kihara added. News. AzBy Faig Mahmudov