Attempted DPRK missile launch fails: RoK
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) attempted to fire a missile from its east coast on May 31 but the launch appears to have failed, the Republic of Korea (RoK)'s officials said, in what would be the latest in a string of unsuccessful ballistic missile tests by the isolated country.
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The launch attempt took place at around 5:20 a.m. Seoul time (4.20 p.m. ET), said the officials, who asked not to be identified. They did not elaborate.
Tension in Northeast Asia has been high since the DPRK conducted its fourth nuclear test in January and followed that with a satellite launch and test launches of various missiles.
Japan put its military alert on May 30 for a possible DPRK missile launch.
"The DPRK shows no sign of abandoning the development of nuclear missiles and so we will continue to work closely with the US and the RoK in response and maintain a close watch," Japanese Minister of Defence Gen Nakatani told a media briefing.
The DPRK appeared to have attempted to launch an intermediate-range Musudan missile, the RoK's Yonhap News Agency said.
The DPRK attempted three test launches of the Musudan in April, all of which failed, US and the RoK's officials have said.
Yonhap quoted a RoK government source as saying the missile was likely to have exploded at about the time it lifted off from a mobile launcher.
China, the DPRK's only major ally, called for the cessation of any action that would exacerbate tension.
"The situation on the peninsula remains complex and sensitive," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a briefing when asked about the launch.
