September 16, 2021

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo on September 16 issued a statement regarding the launch of ballistic missiles by North Korea on the day.

The full text of his statement is as follows:

Shii Kazuo
Member of the House of Representatives of Japan
Chair, Japanese Communist Party
September 16, 2021
Tokyo

Today, North Korea launched two ballistic missiles which splashed down in the Sea of Japan. This act violates the UN Security Council resolution prohibiting North Korea from any further launches using ballistic missile technology by suspending all activities related to its ballistic missile program. We criticize and protest North Korea’s ballistic missile launch.

North Korea has declared publicly, “we must further strengthen the nuclear war deterrent while doing our best to build up the most powerful military strength.” Its successive ballistic missile launches since March this year are a part of its nuclear weapons development program. Also, North Korea has fired a new long-range cruise missile on 11th and 12th September. Their stepped-up military actions run counter to the moves toward the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and peacebuilding in North Asia.

North Korea should abandon its nuclear development program and related activities which pose a threat to the peace and security in Japan, East Asia and the world. To this end, the international community must unite and strongly urge North Korea to stop its illegal activities.