US, Japan, S Korea discuss North's latest threat before Trump-Xi summit

The United States and South Korea agreed on April 6 to proceed with the deployment of an advanced U.S. missile defence system that has angered China, while the U.S. President Donald Trump told Japanese Shinzo Abe they will continue to build their military defenses against North Korea, a day after North Korea's latest test launch drew condemnation across the volatile region, and one day before Trump's meeting with Chinese president. 

Analysts have said April 5's launch of a ballistic missile from North Korea's east coast probably took place with the summit in mind as the reclusive state presses ahead with its missile and nuclear programs in defiance of United Nations resolutions and sanctions.

Trump's national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, agreed in a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on the need to proceed with the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in South Korea after the North's launch, Reuters reported. 

South Korea and the United States say the sole purpose of the advanced THAAD system is to defend against missile launches from North Korea. However, China says the system's powerful radar could penetrate into its territory.

Despite angry opposition from Beijing, the United States started to deploy the first elements of its advanced anti-missile defense system in South Korea last month.

South Korean officials said McMaster spoke with his counterpart in Seoul, Kim Kwan-jin, on the morning of April 6 to discuss the North's missile launch and the Trump-Xi summit.

"Both sides agreed to pursue ... plans in order to substantially strengthen the international community's sanctions and pressure on North Korea," South Korea's presidential Blue House said in a statement.