U.S. proposes joint missile defense system with Korea and Japan

The United States has proposed establishing a joint missile defense system with South Korea and Japan to ensure a rapid response to any further North Korean provocations. The Yomiuri Shimbun reported Sunday that U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice mentioned the idea to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during President Barack Obama's visit to Japan in April. Abe reportedly agreed to encourage Seoul to share its radar information on North Korea's missile activities. The daily said the South's proximity to North Korea and Japan's advanced missile defense system could work together to respond to threats from Pyongyang. The daily pointed out that the poor diplomatic ties between Seoul and Tokyo is the main stumbling block to the plan.