The US defence Secretary Jim Mattis reiterated the readiness of the United States "to defend South Korea" against the developing North Korean threat."

Mattis spoke with the defense Minister of South Korea Khan, Minkoo on Tuesday on the eve of his inaugural visit as Minister of defense in Japan and South Korea, the closest Asian allies of the United States.

Khan and Mattis, expressed their commitment to deploy THAAD missile defense system and the need for closer cooperation in policies toward North Korea, said in a statement issued by South Korean Ministry of defense. THAAD system designed to stop incoming shells and are cited as a way to potentially stop a nuclear attack from North Korea.

The visit comes after the words of Donald trump has caused concern in Asia, he suggested Seoul and Tokyo to develop its own nuclear weapons. Trump also suggested the two countries or to pay more for their protection or the United States will provide them with less support safe. The phone call took place between the Mattis and Khan in the background of an analysis of new satellite imagery that suggests the idea that North Korea has restarted a plutonium reactor.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have risen after the North Korean leader Kim Jong UN said that his country was close to testing an Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is a type of projectile that will be used to deliver nuclear warheads.
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