U.S. Embassy & Consulates
in Japan

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.