Japan says ‘strongly’ urged China to reconsider missile test launch

TOKYO, July 6 —Tokyo said today it had strongly urged China to reconsider a test missile launch in the Pacific Ocean after the Japanese embassy in Beijing was informed by Chinese authorities before the event.x

“We strongly called for a rethink of the ballistic missile test-firing, so that it won’t pose a threat to Japan’s security such as by passing through Japan’s airspace,” a joint government statement said.

“Through close coordination among relevant ministries, we will strive to ensure the safety of our airspace and maritime territory, with the ministry of defence fully prepared for surveillance and monitoring.”

“We expressed serious concerns over China’s increasing military activity,” the statement said.

China’s navy said it successfully conducted a test missile launch in the Pacific Ocean today. — AFP