[ti:Japan, South Korea and U.S. Strengthen Security Ties]
[al:As It Is]
[ar:VOA]
[dt:2022-09-08]
[by:www.voase.cn]
[00:00.00]Diplomats from the United States, Japan and South Korea confirmed their commitment to working together against possible threats from North Korea.
[00:14.24]The officials represent their countries on nuclear weapons issues. 
[00:20.06]They met Wednesday in the Japanese capital, Tokyo, agreeing to strengthen their security ties.
[00:29.76]"North Korea is continuing and even accelerating its nuclear and missile capabilities," said Japanese diplomat Takehiro Funakoshi before Wednesday's discussions. 
[00:43.52]He noted a possible threat of more nuclear tests by North Korea.
[00:49.60]The country has performed an unusually high number of missile launches this year.
[00:57.20]And the United States has warned that North Korea could sell weapons to Russia.
[01:04.19]Wednesday's meeting followed similar talks over the past two months.
[01:10.36]One took place between security advisers in Hawaii last week.
[01:15.89]At the same time, there were signs North Korea might be performing its first nuclear test since 2017.
[01:25.83]Funakoshi said North Korea was welcome to join talks and negotiations with Japan, South Korea, and the United States. 
[01:37.55]American Representative Sung Kim and South Korean Representative Kim Gunn also expressed support for talks that include North Korea.
[01:49.77]Sung Kim said the U.S., Japan and South Korea are prepared for any actions North Korea might carry out.
[02:01.22]And he said the U.S. goal has not changed: It seeks denuclearization of Korea.
[02:09.95]Japan's Foreign Ministry later said in a statement that the three representatives had shared deep concerns about North Korea's recent activities.
[02:22.88]In August, North Korea fired two missiles from its west coast after South Korea and the United States began their largest field military training in years. 
[02:36.70]North Korea has said it considers the training preparation for war.
[02:43.36]Kim Sung-han is South Korea's national security adviser. 
[02:49.05]Speaking after the meeting, he said that the representatives agreed there would be what he called a "soft" answer if North Korea performed a nuclear test. 
[03:02.09]He did not give details, but the South Korean government in the past has proposed increasing sanctions.
[03:11.44]I'm Caty Weaver.
