This was stated by the Secretary General of the Cabinet of Ministers of Japan, Hirokazu Matsuno, commenting on the IAEA statement on the preparation of the DPRK for nuclear tests at a press conference, TASS writes.

“There is the possibility of this kind of provocative action on the part of North Korea,” Matsuno said.

The politician specified that Japan is now monitoring the situation and collecting information about Pyongyang's possible preparations for nuclear tests.

Earlier, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman warned of a strong response if North Korea conducts nuclear tests.

The statement was made after a meeting with South Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Cho Hyun-don in Seoul.