It was previously reported that the three countries were launching a mechanism for exchanging data on North Korean missile launches in real time.
North Korea released one short-range ballistic missile towards the East Sea on December 17 to mark the 12th anniversary of the death of leader Kim Jong Il.
This is stated in a message from the South Korean army, writes Yonhap News Agency.
“It could be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) as South Korea's First Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo said a few days earlier that the DPRK intends to launch an ICBM during December,” the source suggests.
At the same time, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said that North Korea fired a short-range missile that flew about 570 kilometers before falling into the East Sea.
“Our military is on full alert,” JCS said in a text message sent to reporters.
The United States, South Korea and Japan agreed to launch a real-time data exchange system on North Korean missile launches, which will allow timely identification and assessment of threats from ballistic missiles launched by Pyongyang.
Previously, the ministers of these states condemned Pyongyang's development of its missile and nuclear programs and noted the continuation of joint cooperation for the common goal of the complete denuclearization of North Korea in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
JCS called the latest launch a “clear” violation of UN Security Council resolutions.
The launch also came days after Seoul and Washington held the second session of the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) and agreed to finalize guidelines for the planning and operation of a joint nuclear strategy by the middle of next year.
“Any attempt by hostile forces to use armed forces against the DPRK will face preventive and lethal counteraction,” said an English-language statement released by the official North Korean Central News Agency.
The publication recalls that the missile launch came amid heightened tensions after Pyongyang canceled a 2018 inter-Korean military agreement aimed at reducing tensions and preventing accidental clashes along the border. It also coincided with the 12th anniversary of the death of former North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, the father of current leader Kim Jong In.
Seoul partially suspended the agreement to protest North Korea's successful launch of its first military reconnaissance satellite on November 21.
The United States also warned North Korea that attempting to use nuclear weapons against the United States or its allies would lead to the end of dictator Kim Jong-in's regime.
Meanwhile, South Korea refused to fulfill part of the military agreement with the DPRK due to violations.
Related topics:
More news
