South Korea asks U.S. to counter N.K. threats

The military chiefs of South Korea and the United States held talks, during which they confirmed their commitment to forming a strong joint defense posture against North Korea's provocations and actions.

Gen. Lee Sun-jin said: “They determined that an acute security situation exists like North Korea's nuclear and missile program. The talks were also aimed at reaffirming the strong commitment of the two countries to building up a joint defense posture as the new U.S. administration takes control.”

According to Gen. Lee Sun-jin, the deployment of US weapons is necessary "to curb" rapidly developing North Korea's missile and nuclear programs.

US Defense Secretary James Mattis is expected to visit South Korea, where the parties should reaffirm the commitment of the US-Korean military alliance.