US, Japan Coordinate on ‘High Level’ After N. Korean Nuclear Test – DoD

US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter called Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani to discuss the recent nuclear test by North Korea, and underscored the countries’ close cooperation to address the issue, the Pentagon said in a press release on Friday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — On Wednesday, Pyongyang announced it had successfully carried out the first test of a hydrogen bomb. The international community has condemned the test as provocative, and undermining stability in the region.

"Secretary Carter…commended the high level of coordination between the United States and Japan after the test," the release stated.

The defense secretary also "reaffirmed steadfast US defense commitments to Japan and allies in the region."

Carter and Nakatani called the nuclear test "unacceptable," and agreed that it violated the United Nation's Security Council resolutions.

The defense officials stressed that trilateral cooperation with South Korea is critical for maintaining security in the region.