Japan on full alert

Japan said on December 10 that it was on full alert ahead of North Korea's planned missile launch from December 10-22, although Pyongyang said it could postpone the much-criticized event.

Before arriving at his office this morning, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda told reporters that Japan "will take all necessary measures as a precaution."

PAC-3 missile interceptor system. (Source: nhk.or.jp)

Defense Minister Satoshi Morimoto also said Japan would closely monitor developments despite North Korea's statements. "We must remain vigilant unless North Korea makes an official announcement," he said.

On December 9, North Korea said that the missile launch plan could be changed "for some reasons", without providing any further information.

According to AFP, Japan has deployed a missile defense system to intervene and destroy any North Korean missile that threatens to fall on its territory.

Analysts say technical problems or snowfall are behind the delay in the launch, not political pressure from abroad./.

According to (Vietnam+) - DT