THE Japanese government said today it “can never tolerate” provocations from North Korea after the country’s military said it is finalising a plan to launch missiles towards Guam that would fly over Japan.

“North Korea’s provocative actions, including this time, are obviously provocative to the region, including Japan, as well as to the security of the international community,” Yoshihide Suga, Japan’s chief government spokesman, told reporters.

“We can never tolerate this.”

Japan has in the past vowed to shoot down North Korean missiles or rockets that threaten to hit its territory, though Suga declined to disclose details about its strategy this time.

But, the Self-Defence Forces, the country’s military, would “take necessary measures”, he said.

“It’s very important to maintain United States deterrent power as the security situation in the region is extremely severe.

“President (Donald) Trump has said all options are on the table and the government welcomes that policy.”

He said Japan and the US were “closely consulting each other” and would hold a meeting of their foreign and defence ministers on August 17. – AFP, August 10, 2017.