Japan’s defense minister, Naoki Tanaka, announced on Friday that the country's missile unit will intercept a North Korean rocket if it were to cross into Japan’s territory. The announcement came as North Korea prepares to launch a satellite into orbit at the middle of next month.
Many countries including the United States claim that North Korea is testing its long-range missile capabilities through this satellite launch, which would violate international agreements. Concerns have also been raised that Japanese lives are in danger if there is a failed launch, leading to Japan deploying destroyers along the Pacific and East China Sea, as well as a missile battery in Tokyo to counter all uncertainties.