North Korea test fires ballistic missile capable of reaching Japan

Two nuclear-capable ballistic missiles have been test fired from North Korea, landing in waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. 

According to the South Korean and Japanese governments, it travelled about 310 miles at a maximum altitude of 340 miles from the countries north-west Tongchangri area.

South Korea’s military said both missiles were launched at a steep angle, suggesting the weapon could have travelled farther if fired at a standard trajectory.

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It’s thought the test fires could be a possible protest at Tokyo’s adoption of a new security strategy to push for a more offensive stance against North Korea and China.

In an emergency meeting, top South Korean security officials criticised North Korea’s continued provocations.

South Korea's presidential office also said it will boost its trilateral security co-operation with the US and Japan and that the US commitments to the defence of South Korea and Japan “remain ironclad”.