TOKYO, May 19: North Korea may be preparing to test-fire a long-range ballistic missile that could one day be developed to hit the US West Coast, Japanese ministers said on Friday.

The communist government, which is boycotting nuclear disarmament talks, could fire for the first time a 35-metre Taepodong-2 in the range of 3,500 to 6,000kms, officials said.

North Korea is believed to be developing the missile for a range of up to 10,000kms, which would put the United States within striking distance.

In Washington, the State Department said it would be a major international concern if North Korea launched a long-range missile.

“If in fact North Korea did launch a long-range missile, it will be a real source of concern to the international community,” spokesman Sean McCormack told reporters.—AFP