North Korea notifies Japan of plans to launch satellite on May 27 — June 4

North Korea notified Japan of its plans to launch a satellite between May 27 and June 4, according to the Japan Coast Guard.

It was noted that "the launch will be carried out in the direction of the East China Sea and the Philippines’ Luzon Island." The areas where the rocket stages are expected to fall are outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.

The Coast Guard has also issued a warning for vessels to use caution when passing through these areas.

 Japan, South Korea, and the United States believe that North Korea’s satellite launch would violate the UN Security Council resolutions and are calling on North Korea to abandon its plans, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced.