Defense Secretary Leon Panetta held a telephone meeting with Japan’s Defense Minister Japanese Defense Minister Naoki Tanaka Tuesday amid concerns that a defiant North Korea will continue with an alleged long range missile test later this month.
“Secretary Panetta and Defense Minister Tanaka reiterated their view that such a missile launch would directly violate North Korea’s international obligations,” Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said in a statement. “They also affirmed the importance of the U.S.-Japan Alliance in defense of Japan and in contributing to regional peace and security.”
“Both leaders agreed to continue close contact leading up to and following a potential missile launch,” Little added.
