Trump affirms US 'ironclad commitment' to Japan, S. Korea security

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump on Monday affirmed Washington's "ironclad commitment" to Japan and South Korea following the latest missile test by North Korea, the White House said.

The president spoke separately with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan and Acting President Hwang Kyo-Ahn of South Korea following Pyongyang's launch of four missiles that it said was part of training for a strike on US bases in Japan.

Three of the missiles came down provocatively close to Japan.

"President Trump emphasised the United States' ironclad commitment to stand with Japan and South Korea in the face of the serious threat posed by North Korea," the White House statement said.

"He emphasised that his Administration is taking steps to further enhance our ability to deter and defend against North Korea's ballistic missiles using the full range of United States military capabilities."

Read also: UN Security Council will meet Wednesday on N Korea missile launches

UN North Korea rejects U.N. accusations of sanctions violations

Japan PM and US president discuss N Korea's missile launches: media