I recall reading that China is one of the countries observing our current naval exercises in the Pacific. Meaning from an approved vantage point.
I can think of many objections and only one rational for such a thing.
Russia and others were also said to be observing.
Ultimately this whole thing is about US-Chinese relations. The Chinese will let NK provoke us and the Japanese to a point, but if he really steps over the line, they will reel him in quickly, even to the put of putting arsenic in his dog meat if they have to. Not to say he won't launch a missile, he may very well do so, and the posters who say this missile launch is really about the Chinese testing our capabilities and resolve are dead on. We have given the Chinese a front row seat for the show, knowing full well that our capabilities are up to the test.
The last thing the Chinese want is a resurgent Japan and a reenergized US mucking about in what they consider their sphere of influence. The Japanese are already taking steps to rearm, and our show of strength here is designed to remind the Chinese that we are still the preeminent Pacific power for the foreseeable future.
Dubya is playing chess with the Chinese, not NK, and both us and the Chinese are well aware of the fact. Little Kimmie, unbeknownst to him, is merely the sideshow. If a missile goes off and it threatens us or our allies we will shoot it down. Right in front of the Chinese.
I love it when the adults are in charge of foreign policy!