Kishida-North Korea's Missile Launch 'Grave Violation Of UN Resolutions'

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaking after the launch of two North Korean missiles that came down in the waters of Japan's exclusive economic zone. Kishida states that there is no report of damage from the missiles. Says that 'North Korea's latest action was a grave violation of UN resolutions', and that 'Japan will continue cooperating with the US and South Korea' on the issue of North Korean aggression.

• Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defence Kimi Onoda states that this marks the 13th time that a North Korean missile has come down in Japan's EEZ. Adds that the Japanese gov't has 'lodged a protest against North Korea through diplomatic channels in Beijing.' The minister says that the North Korean launch 'cannot be tolerated'.
• While a Japanese/South Korean retaliation is unlikely, we could see both sides bolster their military activities around the North as well as seeking larger or more frequent military drills alongside the US, prolonging the period of heightened tensions in the region.
• View previous MNI commentary here and here.