October 9, 2022
MOFA response to North Korea’s test-firing of two short-range ballistic missiles on early morning of October 9：
North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles from the Munchon area of Kangwon Province toward the Sea of Japan on October 9 at 00:48 Taipei time, marking its seventh missile test since September 25. The United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea condemned North Korea’s willful attempts to undermine regional stability.
Since January, North Korea has conducted 28 weapons tests near the Korean Peninsula, including tests of intercontinental ballistic missiles, heedless of the expectations of peace-loving countries in the region. On September 8, North Korea announced a new law concerning its nuclear weapons policy, stating that it would not rule out a preemptive strike under certain conditions. This further escalated regional tensions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) is greatly concerned by and strongly condemns North Korea’s irresponsible actions, which have repeatedly contravened United Nations Security Council prohibitions and undermined regional peace and stability.
The government of Taiwan is closely following North Korea’s provocative actions, including its frequent missile tests and changes to its nuclear weapons policy law, and their potential impact on the region. As a vital member of the Indo-Pacific, Taiwan recognizes efforts by countries in the region to promote the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. It is also willing to work with the international community on related measures and cooperate with like-minded countries to promote peace and stability across the Korean Peninsula and the region, to deter authoritarian expansion and aggression, to uphold the rules-based international order, and to safeguard a free and open Indo-Pacific.