Japan Says "Can't Recognize North Korea's Nuclear Power" Comment

Regarding U.S. President Donald Trump's call of North Korea as a nuclear power, the Japanese government said North Korea's nuclear and missile development could never be recognized as a threat to peace and security in the international community.

Japanese government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said he would work with the international community to demand the complete dismantlement of North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs and that he would work closely with the U.S. government in the future.

Hayashi said he would "refrain from answering with a prediction" about the possibility of President Trump entering dialogue with North Korea, adding that he would hold talks between Prime Minister Ishiba and President Trump as early as possible.

President Trump said in his inaugural address that he would respond appropriately to the new tariff policy after investigating the details of the future and the impact on Japan.