U.S. Relations With the People's Republic of China (2009)

U.S. Department of State

Japan: North Korea Nuclear Test (Taken Question)

Bureau of Public Affairs
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC

Queston taken at Daily Briefing of May 26, 2009

May 28, 2009

Question: What is our response to claims in the Japanese media that we did not inform them of the North Korean test after we were contacted by North Korean officials?

Answer: We are aware of Japanese media reports claiming that the Department of State gave no prior notification to the Government of Japan of North Korea's nuclear test. The Department of State has received no complaints from the Government of Japan on this matter.

On May 24 (Washington time) North Korea notified the State Department of its intention to conduct a nuclear test, without citing specific timing, approximately one hour prior to the event. The United States immediately notified the governments of Japan, South Korea, China, and Russia. Secretary Clinton spoke to Japanese Foreign Minister Nakasone about the reported nuclear test and our response early on the morning of May 25.