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TOKYO: Japan pledged on Monday (October 12) to strengthen its missile deterrent capability to respond to threats from North Korean weapons that are becoming “more diverse and complex,” as shown during Pyongyang’s military parade over the weekend. of week.
North Korea, which marks the 75th anniversary of its ruling party on Saturday, displayed a variety of weapons systems, revealing what appeared to be an ICBM that is larger than any of North Korea’s known ICBM.
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It also showed what was probably an improved version of a missile that can be fired from submarines.
While some experts say the weapons could have been mock-ups of missiles in development, the exhibits appear to signify North Korea’s continued improvement of its weapons capabilities during stalled nuclear diplomacy with the United States.
“To respond to threats that are diversifying and complex, we will work hard to strengthen our comprehensive missile deterrent capabilities,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said at a regular news conference on Monday. “We understand that some of those missiles are said to make it difficult for us to respond with our conventional equipment.”
Kato declined to elaborate on Japan’s analysis of the missiles displayed by North Korea. He only said that Japan would continue to cooperate with the United States and other interested countries to protect the Japanese people.
READ: Kim Jong Un throws down the gauntlet with a huge new missile: Analysts
Under the nearly eight-year tenure of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan expanded the international role of its military under the Japan-US alliance, amid mounting threats from North Korea and China.
Tokyo has repeatedly called the two countries threats to its regional security and is currently studying a major change to its missile deterrence policy that would include the possibility of developing a first strike capability at enemy bases to defend against imminent attacks.
Abe’s successor, Yoshihide Suga, and his government are expected to compile a new missile plan later this year.
