Wittman: NK missile launch threatens allies & US Pacific territories; US must deter future launches

WASHINGTON- Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, released the following statement following his August 28, 2017 visit to Japan, in response to the latest missile launch by North Korea:

“Having just departed Japan, the latest missile launch from North Korea directly threatens our close ally, Japan. This is North Korea’s second missile launch in less than a month, and in this incident the missile overflew Japan landing just off its coast. North Korea poses a clear threat to our allies and partners in the region and our own territories throughout the Pacific region. I remain committed to using all diplomatic and military tools to deter this latest and future belligerent behavior from this repressive regime.”

On August 29th North Korea fired a ballistic missile over the country of Japan, which landed 730 miles off the coast of Hokkaido Island- Japan’s second largest island. This missile launch comes only days after another round of 3 missiles were fired from North Korea. This is the third missile launched over the country of Japan since 1998. These missile launches are thought to be in response to an annual joint- U.S-South Korean military exercise, Ulchi-Freedom Guardian.

Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is the Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.