Global Issues
Statement by U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel on the DPRK's Missile Launch
Today’s reckless and destabilizing missile launch by North Korea only serves to fortify the firm U.S.-Japan efforts to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. In immediate response to Pyongyang’s threatening actions, the United States and Japan are coordinating at the highest levels.
- Later this evening, Japan Standard Time, President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida are scheduled to speak about the missile launch and appropriate joint action.
- U.S. Secretary of State Blinken and Foreign Minister Hayashi have spoken earlier this morning, as have National Security Advisor Sullivan and National Security Secretariat Secretary General Akiba.
- After his October 3 meeting with Prime Minister Kishida, U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral Aquilino met with Defense Minister Hamada and General Yamazaki, where the Admiral reaffirmed the ironclad alliance cooperation between our two countries.
- U.S. senior administration officials also are coordinating with South Korean counterparts.
This is a demonstration of the seriousness with which we view North Korea’s provocations – and a clear signal that the United States and Japan are fully committed to defending the stability and security of the region.