North Korea’s missile launches

During tripartite talks with South Korean and Japanese diplomats, the United States focused on cooperating with its allies against North Korea’s threat.

Senior diplomats in the United States, South Korea and Japan have condemned North Korea’s recent missile test as “a serious and illegal challenge” in a joint statement. The comments came after high-level talks between Japan and South Korea on Wednesday with Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and Deputy Secretary of State Cho Hyun-dong and Mori Takeo.

Read more: North Korea launches a ballistic missile test amid reports of a nuclear test

The statement said Sherman reaffirmed America’s “strong” commitments to protect South Korea and Japan, including “comprehensive deterrence,” and called for assurances that it would protect its full-fledged military allies, including nuclear weapons. “The United States, South Korea and Japan have a full and close relationship with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea,” Sherman told a news conference, using the official name of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

Diplomats from the three countries also called on North Korea to return to dialogue and accept aid offers for the country. “The two leaders noted that the road to serious and lasting dialogue remains open, and urged North Korea to return to negotiations,” the statement said.

Read more: Biden greets Kim of North Korea amid tensions over nuclear tests

– Nuclear tests –

Sherman’s tour of Asia came just days after Pyongyang launched eight ballistic missiles at various seas. Following the launch of the test, the United States and its Asian allies responded with rocket launches and aerial demonstrations involving dozens of fighter jets.

Wednesday’s joint statement came as Pyongyang prepared for its first nuclear test of 2017. Washington officials said the test could be completed in a few days.