Brutal dictator Kim Jong-un launched yet another missile towards the sea of Japan amid months of provocation – this time firing the rocket over the Japanese main island of Hokkaido in the strongest show of sabre rattling military bravo yet from the young despot.
But foreign affairs experts have warned the missile was not intended as a threat to the nation of Japan – instead serving as a show of force to Trump administration.
Foreign affairs expert Tim Marshall claimed the missile was aimed at “The White House”, adding “but only in a figurative manner of speaking”
Speaking to Sky News, he said: “This is a very calculated gamble on behalf of the North Korean leadership.”
It comes after Donald Trump’s threat to rain “fire and fury” onto North Korea if the nation threatened the US or its allies.
Mr Marshall added:: “What the North Koreans have done is launch a ballistic missile over Japan, massively provocative.
“They’ve made this massive gamble, it is pretty close to the brink (of World War 3).
“When you get close to the brink, anything can happen.”
It comes after Donald Trump vowed to protect Japan from the menace of the brutal North Korean nation.
Last month, Mr Abe spoke with US President Donald Trump and agreed on the need for more action on North Korea.
After the meeting, he said that Mr Trump would take “all necessary measures” to protect US allies against the increasing threat from the hermit state.
The Japanese Prime Minister added: ”International society, including Russia and China, need to take this seriously and increase pressure.”
After Tuesday night’s missile launch the Japanese Prime Minister has warned enough is enough amid rising fears of World War 3.
As he entered his office for an emergency meeting, Mr Abe said: “We will make utmost efforts to firmly protect the lives of the people.”
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga also described the missile test as an “unprecedented, grave threat”.