Taiwan is keeping a close eye on North Korea's missile tests to ensure the launches don't cause wider tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. That statement came from Taiwan's foreign ministry on Thursday, a day after North Korea launched a ballistic missile into the waters separating the Korean peninsula from Japan.
It is the 14th time that North Korea has conducted missile tests this year. Taiwan's foreign ministry says that Taiwan is willing to work together with other like-minded countries to protect the region from harm.
This latest missile test comes just days before South Korean President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol is set to enter office.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Joanne Ou says that Taiwan usually sends government officials to attend this important occasion, but will be unable to do so this year. Ou says that the pandemic is developing rapidly in both countries, and the trip and subsequent quarantine would prevent officials from carrying out their work safely and effectively.
The foreign ministry says that South Korea and Taiwan are two countries with a strong sense of liberty, democracy and human rights. It says Taiwan and South Korea will continue to develop their good relationship and ensure security in the Indo-Pacific region.