Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has condemned North Korea for its missile launch,... saying the action threatens the peace and security of Japan... as well as the wider region.
Abe made the remarks Thursday evening after Tokyo confirmed the missiles had fallen outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone.
Stressing the need to strengthen surveillance and stay on high alert,... he said Japan is determined to closely cooperate with the United States, South Korea and other allies to protect people's lives.
Abe's mentioning of an alliance with South Korea is very rare,... considering the Japanese government usually only mentions the U.S.
A senior U.S. official also told Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency that Washington is keeping an eye on the situation and working closely with South Korea and Japan.