EDITORIAL - Hostile act

Japan has threatened to shoot down any foreign missile that crosses its airspace. So Pyongyang’s threat to fire a ballistic missile toward the US territory of Guam may be neutralized before the weapon can even cross the Pacific.

Even if shot down by Japan or another country, however, the missile of Kim Jong-un will produce debris that can cause damage, injuries or worse upon falling to Earth. Among the countries in the vicinity of falling debris is the Philippines. When will the world be rid of this insane menace?

There is always the possibility that Kim may be bluffing. But he has carried out several missile tests, prioritizing defense spending over food and other basic needs of his people, since taking over his nation’s helm following the death of his father, Kim Jong-il. Analysts say North Korea has indeed produced a missile capable of reaching Guam.

Kim has said his missile would not hit Guam itself but merely strike international waters near the island that hosts US military bases. US President Donald Trump, however, has made it clear that even such a missile target practice would be considered a provocative act that would draw “fire and fury” from his government.

Between Trump and Kim, the saber-rattling could lead to calamitous miscalculations. Falling debris from a missile test could then be the least of the worries in the Asia-Pacific. Beijing, one of the few friends of Pyongyang, can do more to make Kim listen to reason, even as the North Korean despot stews over the economic sanctions imposed by the United Nations precisely because of the North’s nuclear program.

The detailed plans for the missile launch are expected to be unveiled this week. There’s still time to defuse this situation. At the same time, however, it would be prudent for countries in the region to prepare for any potentially radioactive debris that might fall from the sky. Any consequent damage or injuries must be considered a result of an irresponsible, hostile act by Pyongyang.