Tensions were sent soaring across Asia yesterday as North Korea launched a missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. It’s the top story in many of the regions papers.

Wall Street Journal - Asian edition (USA)

North Korean rocket falls in Pacific

The WSJ's front page shows the protests in South Korea, as well as the trajectory of the missile which landed in the Pacific. They say the incident has had enormous attention in South Korea and Japan – where the launch was played out on TV almost in real time.

On the inside pages the journal says this launch could strengthen the case for Japan to increase its military capabilities.

The Japanese constitution limits military capabilities for self-defence and pacifism has become an important part of the nation's post-war identity. But this article says few issues unite Japan as much as the threat of North Korea. A Japan with greater military capacity would greatly alter the balance of power in the region.

Bangkok Post (Thailand)

Why launch this crisis?

They say “what is troubling is the continuing arrogance of North Korea over its actions”. They say North Korea could have “easily diffused tensions by inviting foreigners to its test site” but that they seem “determined to cause an international incident", and risk violence by confronting all its neighbours.

Le Figaro (France)

Obama plaide pour un monde sans armes nucléaires

Le Figaro says US President Barack Obama defends his hopes for a world without nuclear weapons.

He gave a speech in Prague yesterday about his goal to get rid of the world's nuclear arsenal, shortly after the North Korean missile was launched. The cover images are of the launch on television in South Korea, next to a photo of Obama giving his aspirational speech.

The Guardian (UK)

With a rocket Obama’s hope is shot back down to earth

Responding to this unfortunate timing, The Guardian says that no matter how popular Barack Obama is, he can’t change the national interests of other countries – be it North Korea, Iran , Syria… or any country. There is no magic “pixie dust” to solve all the worlds' woes.

Libération (France)

Les enfants perdus de la gare de Rome

French Daily Liberation tells the story of more than 100 immigrants, including 24 Afghan children, who were found by Italian police living in the sewer system beneath railway stations in Rome.

They had been hiding for 6 or 7 days before they were discovered. The paper reports many of the children were totally disorientated when they were found. They didn’t know they were in Italy; one child asked the police where the road to Sweden was. They are now being looked after by the city's social services.