Vice President Mike Pence has told troops in Japan that the United States is 'ready for any eventuality' with regard to North Korea and warned that 'all options were on the table' to deal with Pyongyang's threats.
Speaking to US and Japanese troops at the Yokota Air Base outside Tokyo on Thursday, Pence vowed to continue the 'maximum pressure campaign' on North Korea in a bid to force Pyongyang to give up its nuclear missile program.
Pence's trip to Asia comes amid an apparent thaw on the Korean peninsula, spurred by North Korea's participation in what is being hailed the 'peace' Olympics in Pyeongchang in the South.
Vice President Mike Pence told US and Japanese troops at the Yokota Air Base near Tokyo on Thursday that the United States is 'ready for any eventuality' with regard to North Korea
But he struck a tough tone, citing a string of rights abuses and stressing: 'Those who dare threaten us would do well not to underestimate the capabilities of the armed forces of the United States.
'Let the world know, from here in Yokota Air Base and beyond, we are ready for any eventuality.
'Let our adversaries know: All options are on the table and the American armed forces and self-defence forces of Japan will be ready to defend our people and our way of life.'
He vowed that any provocation, including any use of nuclear weapons, would result in a 'response that is rapid, overwhelming and effective.'
Speaking to US and Japanese troops at the Yokota Air Base outside Tokyo on Thursday, Pence vowed to continue the 'maximum pressure campaign' on North Korea
Pence's trip to Asia comes amid an apparent thaw on the Korean peninsula ahead of the Winter Olympics in South Korea
On Wednesday, Pence announced that Washington would soon impose the 'toughest' sanctions yet against the 'rogue regime' in North Korea.
He also stated Pyongyang would not be allowed to 'hijack' the Games in Pyeongchang to distract the world from its military build-up and nuclear weapons programs.
After addressing the troops, Pence will fly to South Korea to attend Friday's opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics.
He has not directly ruled out holding a meeting with officials from North Korea, which is expected to send Kim Yong Nam, the ceremonial head of state and sister of leader Kim Jong Un.
Nevertheless, according to state news agency KCNA, the North has no intention of meeting US officials during the Gamesbut did not rule it out either.
Pence and his wife Karen wave to US and Japanese troops as they leave Yokota Air Base at Fussa near Tokyo on Thursday