Clinton Warns N.Korea On Missile Plan, "Japan has every right to protect and defend its territory."

[tekisui]

Source: Reuters

THE HAGUE, March 31 (Reuters) - North Korea's preparations to launch a missile are another example of its provocative behaviour and Japan would have every right to defend itself, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Tuesday.

North Korea has said it plans to put a satellite into space, but others say it will be a test of a long-range missile that could carry a warhead as far as U.S. territory.

"It is an unfortunate and continuing example of provocation by the North Koreans," Clinton told a news briefing at a conference in The Hague. "There will be consequences," she said of possible U.N. Security Council actions, adding: "Japan has every right to protect and defend its territory."

http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSLV61853920090331

North Korea Threatens War if Japan Tries to Shoot Down Missle

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=5362030&mesg_id=5362030

________________________________________________________________________

Does Japan have the capability, and will they try to shoot the missle down? The launch appears to be on track. If it is shot down or attempted to be shot down, will NKorea respond militarily?

[tekisui]

1. Launch Date set between April 4-8. Missile is on launch site.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x5236842

[Romulox]

2. The US answers to China, who will protect North Korea. This is ridiculous theater for the masses.

[Deja Q]

4. Thanks for the link in your sig line

:)

[Raskolnik]

8. I don't think the China/N.Korea relationship of 2009 is quite the same as

the China/N.Korea relationship of 1950. Leaving aside whether the U.S. "answers to China," there is good reason to believe that China will not support N.Korea should they provoke a response from Japan, S.Korea, or the U.S.

[Deja Q]

3. Rather a lot of variables at work here...

I wish the North Koreans wouldn't be so provocative. If they want to be provocative, let them create a new reality show or cartoon for FOX...

Great responses by Ms. Clinton; always work with peacemakers, but if somebody is acting belligerent, you need to have a strong foot forward and respond.

Pity there's no way to determine if NK is putting up a satellite (or why; how many countries need to litter the Earth's orbit anyway?) or clandestinely testing the ability to launch a long-range attack...

[paulk]

5. N. Korea would be foolish to respond militarily

Japan has one of the strongest and most modern militaries in the world. Ranked 7th , I believe - N. Korea is at 18, with a lot of older ordinance.

They would be crazy to follow through on this threat.

oh wait - they've shown every indication of being crazy...

[bridgit]

6. Japan sent word themselves they would bring down any incursions into their space...

North Korean's govt is known by many to be run by some of the most delusionally paranoid, xenophobic people on earth. If China thinks they have nothing to lose from supporting such a govt, that will imo be the biggest mistake since putting lead in toy paint and poison into baby food

[brianna69]

7. I have no problem with Japan

shooting down the missle from North Korea. North Korea is going to far. They need to know their actions have consequences.

[NeedleCast]

9. Japan Might have the capability

I don't think they will try to shoot it down unless they see it pose a threat to their territory.

I doubt NKorea would respond with anything more than sabre rattling. When it comes down to it, I think they realize they'd be destoryed (not that there's much to destory) if it came to a full blown war.