Jul 3, 2009, 3:20 GMT
Tokyo - Japan would take action if a North Korean missile launch threatened the nation's security, the top government spokesman said Friday following Pyongyang's four missile launches the previous day.
Although Japan saw no serious problem posed by North Korea's action, Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura said Japan 'will closely watch the situation and take all necessary measures (to protect the Japanese people) if the situation threatens the nation's security.'
North Korea test-fired four short-range missiles off its east coast into the Sea of Japan on Thursday, according to reports.
The Japanese government sees it as necessary to stay cautious considering the possibility that North Korea may fire medium- to long-range missiles capable of reaching Japan, Kawamura said.
Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone viewed Pyongyang's repeated missile test-firing as 'a problem,' noting that it could lead to the development of ballistic missiles.
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