Mike Pence looks toward the north from an observation post inside the demilitarised zone separating the two Koreas, in Paju, South Korea. Photo: ReutersUS Vice President Mike Pence is expected to reassure Japan of American commitment to reining in North Korea's nuclear and missile ambitions, after warning that US strikes in Syria and Afghanistan showed the strength of its resolve. Pence took off for Tokyo from a US air base south of Seoul, where he assured leaders of the "iron-clad" alliance with the United States. North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Han Song-Ryol told the BBC that missiles would continue to be tested on "a weekly, monthly and yearly basis". "North Korea would do well not to test his resolve or the strength of the armed forces of the United States in this region," Pence said.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 18, 2017 02:48 UTC