VOA标准英语2012--Japan Heightens Military Alert for North Korean 'Space Launch'
时间：2012-04-10 08:14:19
搜索关注在线英语听力室公众号：tingroom，领取免费英语资料大礼包。
（单词翻译）
Japan Heightens Military Alert for North Korean 'Space Launch'
It is perhaps the highest state of readiness for Japan's military since World War II. The country has deployed1 naval2 ships equipped with interceptor missiles and set up missile defenses on offshore4 islands and even in central Tokyo.
U.S. forces in Japan are on a similar state of alert.
Unnerving situation
On remote Ishigaki island, some residents say the preparations make them nervous.
“I can't believe what a big deal is being made about this missile launch,” said one resident.
It is not an over-reaction, said spokesman Noriyuki Shikata, the deputy cabinet secretary for public relations, at the Japanese prime minister's office.
“The possibility of the launching of ballistic missiles from North Korea is indeed a direct threat for the security of Japan. And it is natural for us to be prepared in close
collaboration5, especially, with the U.S. military,” said Shikata.
"Preparations by Japan and South Korea to try to
intercept3 the missile if it
deviates6 from its course and flies over their territories have prompted a new threat from Pyongyang. It says any such action would mean war and it would immediately
retaliate8 with military strikes."
If the North Korean missile is
spotted13 on a
trajectory14 for Japan, the country will
activate15 the “J-Alert” emergency message system, to immediately inform the public. Shikata said Japan will be prepared for whatever happens.
“Our point is we stay calm. But, at the same time, we remain
vigilant16 against different contingencies,” said Shikata.
Lawmaker Ichiro Aisawa chairs the opposition's foreign affairs committee in parliament.
“If Japan finds itself targeted by a missile attack, that would be an act of
aggression17 and we would have no other choice but to be
drawn18 into the start of a war. But we need to try to keep a cool head and make the right decisions,” said Aisawa.
If the launch proceeds, Japanese officials say they will push for additional U.N. sanctions against North Korea and its new, young leader Kim Jong Un.
分享到：
