President Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Wednesday are consulting about the appropriate steps to take in response to North Korea’s test of a nuclear device at an underground site this week.
Mr. Obama and Mr. Abe spoke by phone Wednesday night and pledged to work closely together to seek “significant action” against North Korea at the United Nations Security Council, according to a White House readout of the call. The two leaders also agreed to cooperate on measures aimed at impeding North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
The president, who has called the test a “provocation,” reaffirmed his commitment to defending Japan against an attack, including by nuclear means, and said he looks forward to talking further when Mr. Abe visits Washington later this month.
