North Korea's preparations to launch a missile are another example of its provocative behaviour and Japan would have every right to defend itself, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said today.
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 US territory.
"It is an unfortunate and continuing example of provocation by the North Koreans," Ms Clinton told a news briefing at a conference in The Hague.
"There will be consequences," she said of possible UN Security Council actions, adding: "Japan has every right to protect and defend its territory.
Reuters