N. Korea May Have Tested Missile

U.S. Says N. Korea Apparently Shot Test Missile Into Sea Of Japan

(AP) 
North Korea has test fired short-range missiles many times in the past. In 2003, it test fired short-range land-to-ship missiles at least three times during a period of heightened tension over its nuclear weapons program.

Sunday's test, however, occurred at an especially worrisome time as the North appeared to have resumed efforts to move forward with its nuclear weapons program. South Korean officials said last month that Pyongyang had recently shut down a nuclear reactor, possibly to harvest more weapons-grade plutonium.

North Korea shocked the region in 1998 by test-firing a Taepodong-1 missile over Japan and into the Pacific Ocean. The North said it was an attempt to put a satellite in orbit.

U.S. and South Korean officials are more concerned about a possible North Korean test of a Taepodong-2 missile, which analysts believe is capable of reaching parts of the western United States, though there are widespread doubts about its reach and accuracy.

Washington says North Korea is a top global exporter of missile parts and technology.

The Japanese Cabinet in February approved legislation that would allow the defense chief to order the military to shoot down incoming missiles.

Six-nation talks aimed at persuading North Korea to give up its nuclear ambitions have been stalled since last June.