Abe, Li confirm cooperation over North Korea

“The leaders condemned North Korea’s recent nuclear and missile tests and resolved to coordinate closely, including at the United Nations and with the Republic of Korea, in countering this threat”, the White House said in a statement.

“Now is the time for the Security Council to indicate an unmistakable attitude towards this threat of a new dimension”, Abe said. Clinton said she looked forward to discussing a number of issues, from “North Korea to maritime security”. “We must respond to this in a manner entirely distinct from our responses thus far”.

China has been increasingly critical of North Korea but many analysts believe that a rising Beijing would prefer to put up with the troublesome regime rather than risk a united, US-allied Korea on its border.

The UN Security Council is yet to agree on an enhanced package of sanctions against Pyongyang.

North Korea has been defiant in the face of mounting worldwide pressure for continued nuclear tests. China has repeatedly called for a return to worldwide talks to resolve the issue, despite scepticism of other world powers.

During an address to the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, Abe said the threat from North Korea is “substantially more serious” than in the past, and requires an “entirely distinct” response, Reuters reported.

Li, while avoiding directly mentioning North Korea, said China aims to work together with Japan over issues in Northeast Asia.