Japan will remain on alert over the possible launch of North Korea’s missile despite the expiration of the North’s deadline for satellite launch, a top government spokesman said Monday. “Given that North Korea has said it will conduct a second launch as soon as possible, we believe the country may continue to attempt launches using ballistic missile technology,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told a press conference. “We will build an appropriate posture based on comprehensive analysis and evaluation of various information to respond to any situation,” said Matsuno. He also accused Pyongyang’s launch attempt, saying, “Even North Korea intended to launch a satellite, it violates UN Security Council resolutions prohibiting any launch by North Korea using ballistic missile technology.” The North notified Japan that it was planning to launch a satellite sometime between May 31 and midnight Saturday. The country launched a military spy satellite on May 31, but the launch failed due to an engine problem, and it vowed to conduct a second launch “as soon as possible.” On Sunday, Defense Ministry said it extended an order issued for the Self-Defense Forces to destroy any North Korean projectile that threatens Japanese territory for the time being. Matsuno did not specify how long the period will be prolonged. The Ministry has deployed ground-based Patriot Advanced Capability-3 interceptor missiles in southern Japan. In addition, it has dispatched Aegis destroyers equipped with Standard Missile-3 interceptor systems in the East China Sea near the expected path of the rocket. North Korea has been condemned for using ballistic missile technology to launch a satellite as it violates UN Security Council resolutions aimed at thwarting the nation’s nuclear and missile development. North Korea suggested earlier this month that the next launch would be made without giving advance notice while lambasting the IMO for adopting a resolution criticizing the country over the latest launch. Pyongyang believes a military reconnaissance satellite is required to detect potential surprise attacks from the United States and South Korea. The North and South remain technically in a state of war as the 1950-1953 Korean War ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty. — Agencies