"The United States does not harbor any hostile intentions toward North Korea," the statement said, noting that the US seeks "unconditional dialogue" with Pyongyang.
The statement noted that the United States continues to consult with South Korea, Japan and other partners on ways to communicate with the North, as well as on "deterring aggression and the country's violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions."
North Korea had launched an intercontinental ballistic missile
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff announced on December 17 that North Korea launched a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan (East Sea), and Japan's Defense Ministry announced yesterday that the North launched an intercontinental ballistic missile in the direction of the Sea of Japan at 08:24 local time.
South Korea's Defense Ministry also announced the launch of a system in which the United States and Japan will simultaneously share warning data on North Korea's missile launch activities.
It was stated that the three countries aim to "detect and evaluate the missiles launched by North Korea, ensure security and develop in this field" with the simultaneous data sharing system, which was agreed to be established in November 2022.
