International Observation of JAXA Tanegashima Space Center as Confidence-Building Measure of the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCOC)

November 15, 2005

1. As a confidence-building measure of the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCOC), Japan has invited an international observation by HCOC member countries on November 16 (Wed) and 17 (Thu) at Tanegashima Space Center of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Representatives of the U.S., France, Canada, Russia, Germany and Norway will take part in the observation.
2. Japan has strongly supported the nonproliferation of ballistic missiles and played a proactive role when the HCOC was launched. Japan hopes that this invitation of the observers will contribute to confidence-building among the HCOC member countries.
3. This will be the second international observation by the HCOC member countries. The first was carried out in Norway in December 2004.

Note:

The Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCOC), which is the first international norm for nonproliferation of ballistic missiles adopted in 2002, is a political document demonstrating necessary measures, including principles and confidence-building measures that should be respected in order to prevent and curb the proliferation of ballistic missiles.

Related Information (Missile Non-Proliferation)