South Korea's Defense Minister, Lee Jong-sup, said on Saturday that his country would increase its defense capabilities and work closely with the United States and Japan to counter North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.
Lee, speaking at an Asian security meeting in Singapore, said the situation on the Korean peninsula was a global threat and he urged North Korea to immediately end its nuclear weapons and missile programs.
The United States warned this month that North Korea was preparing to carry out its seventh nuclear test, and said it would again push for UN sanctions if it happened.
"The South Korean government will strengthen the ability to further implement the United States' expanded deterrence, and we will strengthen South Korea's military response capability to deter North Korea's nuclear and missile threats," Lee said in a speech at the Shangri-La. Dialogue, regional security summit.
"In addition, we want to strengthen security cooperation between South Korea, the US and Japan in response to North Korea's nuclear and missile programs," he added.
North Korea promoted its top nuclear negotiator to foreign minister, state media said on Saturday, as leader Kim Jong Un vowed to his ruling party that he would use force for power to counter threats to the country's sovereignty.
North Korea has conducted at least 18 rounds of weapons tests this year, underscoring its growing nuclear and missile arsenal.
Lee said South Korea was ready to extend economic support to North Korea if it ended its nuclear program.
"If North Korea makes substantial progress on denuclearization, our government will pursue bold plans that can result in breakthrough achievements for the North Korean economy and quality of life for its citizens," he said.
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