[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] On the 3rd (local time), the U.S. White House National Security Council (NSC) condemned North Korea's launch of a ballistic missile over Japanese airspace as a "dangerous and reckless decision" and warned that it would respond appropriately and firmly.
The U.S. NSC issued a statement on the same day under the spokesperson's name, strongly condemning North Korea's dangerous and reckless decision to launch a long-range ballistic missile over Japan, stating, "This action causes regional instability and shows that North Korea is blatantly disregarding United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions and international security norms."
The NSC announced that National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan held separate phone calls in the evening with Kim Sung-han, Director of the National Security Office of the Presidential Office, and Takeo Akiba, Director of Japan's National Security Secretariat. It added, "In both calls, Advisor Sullivan discussed appropriate, firm, and international joint responses," and "he reaffirmed the United States' strong commitment to Japan and South Korea."
The NSC stated, "The United States will continue efforts with its allies and UN partners to limit North Korea's ballistic missile and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) program capabilities."
The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command also issued a statement, saying, "We are aware that North Korea launched a ballistic missile that flew over Japanese airspace," and "we are closely consulting with Japan, South Korea, and other regional allies and partner countries to address the threats posed by North Korea."
It further emphasized, "The United States strongly condemns this action and urges North Korea to refrain from further illegal and destabilizing actions," adding, "Although this launch did not pose a (direct) threat to Americans, U.S. territory, or allies, we will continue to monitor the situation."
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