The Japanese Coast Guard said on November 21 that North Korea had notified it of a missile launch in the direction of the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea. The South Korean Maritime Safety Agency has issued a warning to ships about the planned launch.

North Korea attempted to launch a spy satellite twice earlier this year but both failed, and South Korean officials have said in recent days that the country appears likely to try again soon.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida immediately condemned the move, saying his country's defense systems, including Aegis destroyers and PAC-3 air defense missiles, were ready for any "contingency" that might arise.

“Even if the purpose is to launch a satellite, the use of ballistic missile technology violates a series of UN Security Council resolutions,” he said. “This is also a major national security issue.”

Mr Kishida said Japan would work with the US, South Korea and other countries to "strongly urge" North Korea not to continue with the missile launch.

South Korea's Defense Ministry said it is monitoring North Korea's planned missile launch and that it could take place as early as this week.

Hoang Ton (according to Reuters)