The United States, Japan and South Korea are considering all options against North Korea, including counterattacks. The top officials of the countries said this after a meeting in Indonesia, which was held over North Korean missile tests, which they say are becoming increasingly provocative.
Pyongyang launched an advanced intercontinental ballistic missile last month. At the launch, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un expressed his wish for his country to become the largest nuclear power in the world. Also in November, for the first time since the Korean War (1950-1953), a missile landed in South Korean waters.
“North Korea is becoming increasingly aggressive and blatant in its nuclear threat,” said South Korea’s representative. “Further provocation from North Korea will be met with a strong and united response from the international community.” The three countries also say they remain open to dialogue with North Korea.
Threat to regional security
Top officials warn that North Korea poses a threat to regional security. The US and South Korea have been saying for months that the isolated country will soon conduct its first nuclear test since 2017. This would be North Korea’s seventh nuclear test. The regime has launched more than 60 missiles this year, a record number.
The meeting between US, Japanese and South Korean officials was held at the US embassy in Jakarta, following meetings in Tokyo and Seoul earlier this year. The three countries imposed new sanctions on North Korea this month over the missile launches.
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