(LEAD) S. Korea, U.S., Japan vow to coordinate against N.K. missile threats

(ATTN: UPDATES with Pentagon briefing; CHANGES dateline)

WASHINGTON/SEOUL, June 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korea, the United States and Japan agreed Friday to continue to seek policy coordination and share information against North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, Seoul's defense ministry said.

Deputy defense minister-level officials from the three nations held a video conference to discuss how to respond to North Korea's latest test of the Musudan intermediate-range ballistic missiles, according to the Ministry of National Defense.

The talks brought together South Korea's defense deputy minister for policy, Yoo Jeh-seung, and his U.S. and Japanese counterparts, Kelly Magsamen and Satoshi Maeda.

North Korea claimed Thursday that it has succeeded in test-firing its mid-range missile, boasting of its capacity to hit U.S. forces in the Pacific region. A day earlier, it fired off what's believed to be two Musudan missiles, marking its fifth and sixth launches since April.

The three officials condemned the North's test as a clear violation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions that ban the communist country from using ballistic technology, it said.

"The three nations shared the view that North Korea's provocations will further strengthen the international community's resolve to press the North to stop such behavior," the ministry said in a statement.

The Musudan missile, with an estimated range of some 3,000 to 4,000 kilometers, could theoretically reach any target in Japan and fly as far as the U.S. territory of Guam.

The North's first five attempts to test-fire the missile failed, but the sixth one flew about 400 km after being launched at a higher angle Wednesday. Reports indicate that the missile reached an altitude exceeding 1,000 km during its flight.

The North's latest move raises concerns about advances made in the country's nuclear and missile capabilities. Pyongyang is seeking to develop a nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missile capable of hitting targets on the U.S. mainland.

The ministry also said that Magsamen reaffirmed Washington's commitment to defending its ally South Korea where about 28,500 American troops are stationed.

In Washington, Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said that the three countries reiterated their strong condemnation of these launches, urged North Korea to refrain from provocative actions that undermine peace and security and instead focus on fulfilling its international obligations and commitments.

"These and other North Korean missile launches are violations of U.N. Security Council resolutions that expressly prohibit North Korea's use of ballistic missile technology," Cook said at a regular press briefing.

He also said the three countries noted the North's provocations would only strengthen the resolve of the international community.

"The United States reaffirms its ironclad alliance commitment to defend the Republic of Korea and Japan. The United States will work closely with the Republic of Korea and Japan as well as the international community to address North Korea's provocative actions."

sooyeon@yna.co.kr
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