Defiant DPRK fires ballistic missile into sea, Japan protests
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) fired two ballistic missiles on March 18, one of which flew about 800 km (500 miles) while the other exploded shortly after launch, US officials said, as the isolated state stepped up its defiance of tough new UN and US sanctions.
US officials told Reuters the medium-range missiles appeared to be fired from road-mobile launchers.
One missile, fired from north of the capital, Pyongyang, flew across the peninsula and into the sea off the east coast early morning of March 18, the Republic of Korea's Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.
That would mark the DPRK's first test of a medium-range missile, one of which was capable of reaching Japan, since 2014.
US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the second missile flew a short period before exploding.
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A range of 800 km was likely beyond the capability of most short-range missiles in the DPRK's arsenal. The DPRK's Rodong missile has an estimated maximum range of 1,300 km (810 miles), according to the RoK's defense ministry.
The DPRK action provoked a barrage of criticism and appeals.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang urged it to abide by UN resolutions and not do anything to exacerbate tensions.
US Defense Secretary Ash Carter said the United States was "analyzing the results of those launches," but called on Beijing to use its influence over Pyongyang.
"China could do a lot more," Carter said, adding Beijing should seek a nuclear-free DPRK.
The US State Department in a statement urged the DPRK to focus on taking concrete steps toward fulfilling its international commitments and obligations.
Japan lodged a protest with the DPRK through its embassy in Beijing, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told parliament.
"Japan strongly demands the DPRK to exercise self-restraint and will take all necessary measures, such as warning and surveillance activity, to be able to respond to any situations," Abe said.
The RoK's Unification Ministry said Pyongyang should focus on improving the lives of its people and that provocative actions would help nothing.
