TOKYO: The Japanese government held a meeting of its National Security Council on Saturday after North Korea fired short-range ballistic missiles.

The meeting brought together Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga and some other officials.

The government hopes to collect further information on Pyongyang's intent and details of the missiles, sources said.

Early on Saturday, North Korea carried out its third ballistic missile firing this year. The day's move also marked a third consecutive week of a missile launch.

To North Korea, Japan's Foreign Ministry lodged a protest through channels at its embassy in Beijing.

"It's clear that North Korea is trying to acquire new missile technologies," Defense Minister Taro Kono told reporters before the NSC meeting.

"It's also possible that the leadership is trying to tighten its grip on the regime, given media reports that the novel coronavirus is spreading in the country," he added.

JIJI Press