North Korea launched an apparent rocket on Tuesday, carrying a military spy satellite that passed over the Japanese archipelago and into the Pacific. Japan has strongly condemned the launch.

This was Pyongyang’s third attempt this year to put a spy satellite into orbit. However, Japanese officials have yet to determine the success of the rocket launch or the satellite mission as they continue to analyze the data.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, Japan’s top government spokesman, held a news conference to address the launch. He criticized North Korea’s consistent missile tests over the past two years, calling them unprecedented. Matsuno noted that Tuesday’s launch deviated from North Korea’s typical playbook.

The launch has raised concerns within the international community, as it poses potential security threats. Japan, in particular, expressed its strong disapproval, emphasizing the need for more diplomatic efforts to address North Korea’s recurring missile activities.

However, without specific sources or quotes, it is difficult to provide additional information about the launch.

It is noteworthy that North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs have been a subject of international debates. Efforts from various countries, such as Japan, the United States, South Korea, and China, aim to engage with North Korea and encourage denuclearization in the region. The repeated missile launches, including this recent rocket launch, hinder progress towards peaceful resolutions.