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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
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| Japan tests anti-missile system | Japan tests anti-missile system |
| (about 8 hours later) | |
| Japan has for the first time shot down a ballistic missile in flight, testing a defence system aimed at warding off any missile threat from its neighbours. | Japan has for the first time shot down a ballistic missile in flight, testing a defence system aimed at warding off any missile threat from its neighbours. |
| A Japanese warship stationed off Hawaii launched a US-developed Standard-3 interceptor missile to destroy a mock target fired from onshore. | A Japanese warship stationed off Hawaii launched a US-developed Standard-3 interceptor missile to destroy a mock target fired from onshore. |
| The US has conducted such tests in the past, but it is the first by a US ally. | The US has conducted such tests in the past, but it is the first by a US ally. |
| Japan and the US have worked closely on missile defence since North Korea flew a missile over northern Japan in 1998. | Japan and the US have worked closely on missile defence since North Korea flew a missile over northern Japan in 1998. |
| Japanese government spokesman Nobutaka Machimura described the test as very significant for Japan's national security. | Japanese government spokesman Nobutaka Machimura described the test as very significant for Japan's national security. |
| "The Defence Ministry and the government have been putting efforts into the development of ballistic missile defence, and we will continue to install the needed equipment and conduct exercises," he said. | "The Defence Ministry and the government have been putting efforts into the development of ballistic missile defence, and we will continue to install the needed equipment and conduct exercises," he said. |
| Meanwhile Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba dismissed concerns about high costs and said Japan would continue working to increase the credibility of the system. | |
| "We can't talk about how much money should be spent when human lives are at stake," he told reporters. | |
| North Korea threat | North Korea threat |
| The target missile was fired from the US Navy's Pacific Missile Range Facility on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. | The target missile was fired from the US Navy's Pacific Missile Range Facility on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. |
| A Japanese vessel, the JS Kongo, tracked the missile and then fired its interceptor after three minutes, destroying the target some 160km (100 miles) above the Pacific Ocean. | A Japanese vessel, the JS Kongo, tracked the missile and then fired its interceptor after three minutes, destroying the target some 160km (100 miles) above the Pacific Ocean. |
| Japan ultimately plans to install missile interceptor systems on four of its destroyers equipped with the high-tech Aegis tracking system. | Japan ultimately plans to install missile interceptor systems on four of its destroyers equipped with the high-tech Aegis tracking system. |
| Japan and the US accelerated co-operation on missile defence after Pyongyang test-fired a long-range Taepodong-1 missile over northern Japan and into the Pacific in 1998. | Japan and the US accelerated co-operation on missile defence after Pyongyang test-fired a long-range Taepodong-1 missile over northern Japan and into the Pacific in 1998. |
| North Korea is also thought to have an arsenal of medium-range Nodong missiles capable of striking Japan. The test target was said to resemble one of these. | North Korea is also thought to have an arsenal of medium-range Nodong missiles capable of striking Japan. The test target was said to resemble one of these. |
| This test marks a second stage of Japan's expanding missile defence. | This test marks a second stage of Japan's expanding missile defence. |
| Land-based Patriot Advanced Capability 3 missile defence systems have already been installed at two bases in Japan, with further installations planned. | Land-based Patriot Advanced Capability 3 missile defence systems have already been installed at two bases in Japan, with further installations planned. |
| Experts say the test will strengthen the US-Japan security alliance but it could also escalate tensions in East Asia, the BBC's Chris Hogg reports from Tokyo. | Experts say the test will strengthen the US-Japan security alliance but it could also escalate tensions in East Asia, the BBC's Chris Hogg reports from Tokyo. |
| China in particular is likely to be concerned that if it ever decides to attack Taiwan the system could be used to help the US defend the island, our correspondent says. | China in particular is likely to be concerned that if it ever decides to attack Taiwan the system could be used to help the US defend the island, our correspondent says. |
| Both the US and Japan have voiced fears about China's rising military spending. | Both the US and Japan have voiced fears about China's rising military spending. |
| Earlier this year, Beijing triggered international concern when it used a ground-based medium-range ballistic missile to destroy a weather satellite. | Earlier this year, Beijing triggered international concern when it used a ground-based medium-range ballistic missile to destroy a weather satellite. |