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Statement by U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel on the DPRK's Missile Launch
3 MINUTE READ
October 4, 2022

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.