Japan Mulls Strike On North Korea

Agrees To Delay U.N. Sanctions Vote, But Considering Pre-Emptive Hit

(CBS/AP)  Japan agreed Monday to delay a vote at the U.N. Security Council on whether to impose sanctions on North Korea for its long-range missile tests, a report said, but maintained it was time to consider pre-emptive strikes on North Korea's long-range missile bases to defend itself.

Although it backed off its demand for an immediate sanctions vote amid a rush of diplomacy aimed at uniting the fractured Council behind a resolution, Japan made clear it would not give up on the U.S.-backed measure.

While Japan talked of strikes and sanctions, China, North Korea's top ally and benefactor, accelerated diplomatic efforts to draw North Korea back to stalled six-nation talks on its nuclear weapons program, dispatching a high-profile delegation to Pyongyang.

The contrasting responses highlight a rift in Asia over the response to Pyongyang's missile tests last week, which apparently included a long-range Taepodong-2, potentially capable of hitting as far as the western United States.

South Korea has accused Tokyo of overreacting to the missile tests, which caused no injuries or damage. Seoul renewed its criticism Monday, saying Japan should not unilaterally pursue a resolution that could further antagonize Pyongyang and create divisions within the U.N.

But officials in Japan have said negotiations may not be enough, mulling tough action almost unheard of since adopting a pacifist constitution after its World War II defeat.

"If we accept that there is no other option to prevent an attack ... there is the view that attacking the launch base of the guided missiles is within the constitutional right of self-defense. We need to deepen discussion," chief Cabinet secretary Shinzo Abe said Monday.