Japan and South Korea prep missile defence systems ahead of Pyongyang rocket test

The US has deployed missile defence systems that will work with the Japanese and South Korean militaries to track a rocket that North Korea says it will launch some time over an 18-day period beginning on Monday.

North Korea has notified UN agencies that it would launch a rocket carrying what it called an earth observation satellite some time between February 8 and February 25, triggering international opposition from some governments that see it as a long-range missile test.

North Korea says it has a sovereign right to pursue a space programme.

READ MORE: Warning to Kim: Japan prepares to shoot down North Korean rocket as China calls for ‘restraint’

Coming so soon after North Korea’s fourth nuclear test, on January 6, a rocket launch will raise concern that it plans to fit nuclear warheads on its missiles, giving it the capability to strike South Korea, Japan and possibly the US West Coast.

China has told North Korea that it does not want to see anything happen that could further raise tension, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, describing “a serious situation”, after a special envoy from China visited North Korea this week.

China is the North’s sole major ally but it disapproves of its nuclear programme. The US has urged China to use its influence to rein in its neighbour.

A launch would draw fresh US calls for tougher UN sanctions that are already under discussion in response to the nuclear test.