Pentagon chief says US will not 'overreact' to N.Korea missile launches

Jung Yeon-je / AFP

US Defence Secretary Mark Esper has stressed that Washington will not overreact to a series of missiles launches by North Korea in recent weeks.

"The key is to keep the door open for diplomacy... we're not going to overreact to these, but we monitor them, we watch them closely and we're cognizant of what's happening," Esper told reporters travelling with him to Japan.

He added that he would discuss North Korea's recent missile launches with his counterparts in Japan and South Korea during his upcoming visit.

North Korea fired missiles into the sea off its east coast for the fourth time in less than two weeks, as Pyongyang expressed anger at US-South Korean military drills that began on Monday.

More from International news

News

  • Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives resumes food aid to Gaza

    In line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) has announced the resumption of food aid deliveries worth AED43 million to the Gaza Strip,

  • DoH launches Future Health Initiative

    Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Future Health – A Global Initiative by Abu Dhabi (Future Health) has been launched by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH).

  • Salik to apply peak-hour toll rates for Dubai Ride

    Toll gate operator Salik said it will charge peak-hour fees on Sunday, November 2, as the Dubai Fitness Challenge's first flagship event - Dubai Ride - gets underway.