In his first public remarks abroad as US defense secretary, Jim Mattis has criticised North Korea for provocative acts and said he'll consult with South Korea and Japan about whether enough is being done to curtail or eliminate its nuclear and missile programs.
Mattis he said he would be discussing the plan to install a new US missile defense system, called Thaad, in South Korea as a means of deterring the North's ballistic missile threats against South Korean and Japan.
"Were it not for the provocative behaviour of North Korea, we would have no need for Thaad out here," Mattis said.
Alluding to China's objections to having Thaad deployed in South Korea, Mattis said, "Thaad should be a worry to no nation other than North Korea."
Mattis held an introductory meeting with Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, who said he looked forward to working with the Trump administration.
Mattis said he was delivering a message from Trump.
"I talked to President Trump and he wanted to make a very clear statement about the priority that we place on this alliance between our two nations, the secretary said.
"Our new administration inherits a very strong, trusted relationship between our two countries and it's our commitment to make it even stronger especially in the face of the provocations that you face from North Korea."
After a series of meetings in Seoul on Thursday and Friday, Mattis is scheduled to fly to Tokyo for further consultations.
In a tweet, Trump later repeated earlier statements by his administration that North Korea had been "put on notice".
"Iran has been formally PUT ON NOTICE for firing a ballistic missile.Should have been thankful for the terrible deal the U.S. made with them!" he said.
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