U.S., South Korea, Japan officials - North Korea missile launches ''provocative acts''

Washington: U.S., South Korean and Japanese defence officials on Thursday condemned North Korea`s recent missile launches as "provocative acts" that posed "a serious threat to peace and stability."

The statement was issued by the Pentagon after a video conference meeting of the defence officials from the three countries. On Wednesday, North Korea launched a ballistic missile that landed in or near Japanese-controlled waters for the first time, the latest in a series of launches by the isolated country.