North Korean missile test would threaten Japan’s security, officials say

North Korean missile test would threaten Japan’s security, officials say

Speculation has been rising in recent weeks that the reclusive communist nation was readying for a launch of the Taepodong-2 missile, which is capable of reaching the U.S. mainland with a light payload.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe said a launch would threaten Japanese security. He had said in recent days that a launch was not imminent, but refused to comment on Friday when asked about it again, the AP reports.

Abe said a launch would violate a moratorium on such tests that North Korea made in an agreement with Japan in 2002. North Korea's last test of a long-range missile in 1998 flew over northern Japan and deeply alarmed Tokyo, the AP reports.