USA, Japan and South Korea warned today that a North Korean nuclear test would elicit an “unprecedented response by force” and vowed to show unity after the Pyongyang regime’s multiple missile launches.

Following the talks in Tokyo, the deputy foreign ministers of the three countries made clear promises to strengthen their deterrent in the region.

“We decided to further strengthen cooperation (…) so that North Korea immediately ceases its illegal activities and resumes negotiations on denuclearization,” South Korean Vice Minister Cho Hyung-don said.

“The three countries agree on the need for an unprecedentedly tough response if North Korea conducts a seventh nuclear test,” he said.

Seoul and Washington have repeatedly warned that Pyongyang could be close to conducting another nuclear test, the first since 2017, after a series of ballistic missile launches in recent weeks.

A missile flew over Japan last month, and North Korea separately announced regular nuclear exercises.

“All of these actions are dangerous and deeply destabilizing,” said US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, calling on North Korea to “refrain from further provocations.”

Japan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Takeo Mori stressed that “North Korea’s increased nuclear and missile activity (…) represents a clear and serious challenge to the international community.”

The three countries agreed to “strengthen their deterrent power in our region in order to denuclearize North Korea,” he added.

^{Source: APE-MEB, AFP.}