The President of the European Council condemned the launch of a North Korean ballistic missile at Japan, calling the act an “unjustified aggression”.
The shooting is “a deliberate attempt” to “endanger security in the region,” Charles Michel wrote on the social network Twitter.
“The European Union stands in solidarity with Japan and South Korea,” he added.
Strongly condemn North Korea’s deliberate attempt to endanger security in the region by firing a ballistic missile over Japan.
An unjustified aggression and flagrant violation of international law.
EU stands in solidarity with Japan and South Korea @kishida230 @TheBlueHouseENG
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) October 4, 2022
The fire from the rocket, which flew over northern Japan, triggered the first warnings in five years to residents being asked to leave buildings, according to the Japanese government.
It also forced the temporary suspension of train traffic in the Aomori region and on Hokkaido island, in the north of the archipelago, he added.
Japanese authorities said the projectile had landed in the Pacific Ocean.
South Korea also discovered the launch of North Korea, heading for the eastern waters of the north.
The firing marks the fifth round of weapons tests by North Korea in the past 10 days, in an apparent response to military exercises between Japan, South Korea and the United States, which began late last month for the first time in five years.
Pyongyang considers US-led military exercises in the region, particularly with South Korea, as preparation for an invasion, though Washington and Seoul have repeatedly denied any intention of attacking the north.
The two Koreas are technically still at war, as the 1950-53 conflict ended with the signing of an armistice rather than a peace treaty.
Source: DN
