(3.10.2017) Some US analysts have suggested intercepting ballistic missile tests as a way of stepping up pressure on Pyongyang, but Itsunori Onodera said Japan had not shot at two recent missiles passing through its airspace because they were projected to land safely in the Pacific.

“Whether it is Japan or any other country, I think that shooting down a ballistic missile could be construed as a military action,” said Mr Onodera.