Pentagon expresses 'ironclad' support for Asian allies after North Korean missile tests

The Pentagon has responded to North Korea‘s test launch over the weekend of long-range cruise missiles by expressing military solidarity with Japan and South Korea, asserting in a statement that America’s commitment to defending the two allies is “ironclad.”.

Indo-Pacific Command came amid unease swirling in Seoul and Tokyo over Pyongyang’s firing of the newly developed missiles that officials said are capable of hitting targets more than 930 miles from North Korea.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said Monday at a press conference in Tokyo that the North Korean action would “jeopardize regional peace and security,” according to Japan‘s Kyodo News.

and South Korean intelligence, according to The Associated Press, which characterized the launches as the first in months by Pyongyang — underscoring how the regime of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un continues to expand its military capabilities amid a stalemate in nuclear negotiations with the United States.

The launches come as senior U.S., South Korean and Japanese diplomats prepare to meet Tuesday in Tokyo to strategize ways to spur new talks with the North Koreans

Indo-Pacific Command said American officials were monitoring the North Korean activity and “consulting closely with our allies and partners.”