China, Japan, South Korea censure North’s missile launch

China, Japan and South Korea have denounced North Korea’s latest missile test, calling on Pyongyang to refrain from “provocative” actions that could deteriorate the situation on the already-tense Korean Peninsula.

According to Press TV, foreign ministers of the three countries made the remarks at the end of an annual trilateral meeting held in the Japanese capital, Tokyo, on Wednesday, hours after Pyongyang successfully test-fired a ballistic missile, believed to be a KN-11.

The missile was launched from a submarine near the North Korean coastal city of Sinpo at around 5:30 a.m. local time earlier in the day. It reportedly flew some 500 kilometers (311 miles) before landing in the Sea of Japan.

“We have confirmed that we will urge North Korea to exercise self-restraint regarding its provocative action, and to observe the UN Security Council's resolutions,” Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida told a joint press conference with his Chinese and South Korean counterparts.

“I hope to coordinate closely in order for Japan, China and South Korea to lead the efforts of the international community,” he added.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also expressed Beijing’s opposition to the North’s nuclear and missile work, saying his country is opposed to any move that exacerbates tensions in the region.

Beijing “is opposed to any actions that violate UN Security Council Resolution 2270,” Wang further said, referring to a resolution passed in March denouncing Pyongyang’s military activities, including rocket launches.

South Korea’s Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se also said that Pyongyang’s repeated missile tests since the beginning of this year “demonstrated a rapid advancement of capability,” expressing concern over the “urgent situation.”

He also said that the three countries should be united in tackling the problem. 

ME