Sept 14, 2021: Top nuclear envoys from Japan, the US and South Korea discussed North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs in Tokyo on Tuesday, a day after Pyongyang test-fired a long-range cruise missile.

Analysts say the weapon has been described by North Korean state media as “strategic” and could have nuclear capabilities.

“Recent developments in the DPRK [Democratic People’s Republic of Korea] are a reminder of the importance of close contact and cooperation between the three countries,” said Sung Kim, the US special envoy for North Korea.

The three countries are discussing ways to resolve the dispute with North Korea over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, which are subject to international sanctions. In a meeting with his Japanese counterpart Takuhiro Fanakoshi and his South Korean counterpart No Kyu Duk, Kim said Washington was open to diplomacy to address North Korea’s problems.

The White House says the United States is ready for talks with Pyongyang despite recent missile tests.

If confirmed, it would be the first missile launch since North Korea’s test of two short-range ballistic missiles in March. The new cruise missiles were designed to fly under radar and evade defense, in line with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s goal of thwarting a US-led attack.

US President Joe Biden’s administration announced a new approach to North Korea in May, saying it was still working to eliminate nuclear weapons but would not offer Pyongyang a “big deal.” Officials said at the time that Biden’s policy would be calibrated and practical and would focus on diplomacy. Talks on nuclear disarmament have stalled since 2019, with North Korea calling for easing of sanctions. Meanwhile, Pyongyang has said it sees no change in policy from Washington.

Although the US is a close military and economic ally of both Japan and South Korea, relations between Asian neighbors have often been strained over sovereignty disputes, Japan’s 1910-45 occupation of the Korean Peninsula, and their war history.

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