The US Defence Secretary James Mattis has said any use of nuclear weapons by North Korea would be met with an “effective and overwhelming” response.

Mattis spoke in South Korea, where he had been reaffirming US support, before flying to Tokyo, reports the BBC.

He also reconfirmed plans to deploy a US missile defense system in South Korea later this year.

North Korea’s repeated missile and nuclear tests and aggressive statements continue to alarm and anger the region.

Mattis used his visit to reassure South Korea that the Trump administration “remains steadfast” in its “iron-clad” defense commitments to the region, said the Pentagon.

North Korea conducted its fifth test of a nuclear device last year and claims it is capable of carrying out a nuclear attack on the US, though experts are still unconvinced its technology has progressed that far.

It is also unpopular with some South Koreans, who fear missile bases could become targets and endanger people who live nearby.

Speaking on Thursday, Mattis sought to reassure China, saying there was “no other nation that needs to be concerned about THAAD other than North Korea”.

BDST: 2202 HRS, FEB 03, 2017
LM/SR