After North Korea test-fired an intermediate range ballistic missile that flew 2700 km with a high altitude of 550 km and passed through the airspace of Japan before breaking into three parts and plunging into the sea. Following the incident, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a call with the U.S. president Donald Trump and the two leaders have reportedly agreed to ramp up pressure on North Korea. It was widely reported in the Japanese media that the United States has assured Japan of its full commitment to the protection of the country. However, this is not the first time, a North Korean missile or rocket flew over Japan. This is the fifth time since 1998 that a North Korean rocket has flown over Japan. The last such incident happened in February last year.

After the launch, Prime Minister Abe condemned the launch and called the test unprecedented, serious and significant. He also stressed that his government would do everything in power to protect the people. It is being widely reported that in response to North Korea’s launch the United States, Japan, and South Korea have jointly requested an emergency meeting of United Nation’s Security Council (UNSC). The council is expected to meet today, however, the exact timing of the meeting has not been confirmed yet. South Korea’s foreign ministry has confirmed the report of the request.

China’s foreign ministry has also confirmed the report and suggested that China hopes U.N. would find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.