Japan, S Korea, US hold joint drills after North Korea's ICBM launch
In response to North Korea's recent intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch, Japan, South Korea, and the United States have conducted a joint naval missile defense exercise aimed at countering the 'nuclear and missile threats' posed by Pyongyang.
The exercise took place on Sunday in international waters between South Korea and Japan and involved the participation of destroyers equipped with Aegis radar systems from all three countries, as confirmed by the South Korean Navy.
During the joint drill, the naval forces focused on practicing procedures to detect and track a computer-simulated ballistic target while sharing relevant information among themselves.
North Korea's latest Hwasong-18 missile launch, which the regime claims to be a crucial element of its nuclear strike capabilities, occurred off its east coast last Wednesday. The launch was described by Pyongyang as a "strong practical warning" to its perceived adversaries.
Tensions escalated further as North Korea accused US spy planes of intruding into its exclusive economic zone waters and condemned a recent visit by a US nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine to South Korea. In response, North Korea vowed to take retaliatory measures.
In light of these developments and to deter further escalations, the joint naval exercise by Japan, South Korea, and the United States underscores the importance of regional cooperation in countering North Korea's missile activities and maintaining stability in the region.
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