Powell, Japanese prime minister discuss N. Korea

TOKYO -- Secretary of State Colin Powell and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi shared concerns about North Korea's nuclear weapons and missile programs, and agreed Saturday to coordinate efforts to deal with the problem, officials said.

Powell, who also met with Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi, is on his first visit to East Asia since North Korea acknowledged in October that it was developing uranium-based nuclear arms.

The talks come at a high point in U.S.-Japanese relations. Japan backs American policy in Iraq, and has dispatched or promised to send military vessels in support of the U.S. anti-terrorism campaign in South Asia.

State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said the discussions in Tokyo showed that both sides "understand the threat posed by Saddam Hussein." On North Korea, Boucher said there was agreement on the need for close coordination and "on continuing our efforts to seek a peaceful solution."

Powell was stopping in China today to attend the Tuesday inauguration of South Korean President-elect Roh Moo-hyun.

Japan, an avowedly pacifist country since the end of World War II, began taking a more assertive stance following a North Korean missile test that overflew Japan in 1998. At present, North Korea is believed to have dozens of missiles capable of hitting any target in Japan.

Ready to use force

In response to North Korea's growing military capability, Japan has said it will use force if it has reason to believe North Korea is planning a military strike against Japan.

Powell noted during his flight to Tokyo that Japan has responded to North Korea's nuclear weapons buildup by suspending deliveries of food aid and slowing moves to establish normal relations.

North Korea is calling for talks with the United States aimed at reaching a nonaggression treaty. Regional countries also seem to favor direct dialogue between the United States and North Korea.

The North's actions since the fall have contributed to a growing uneasiness in the region. In just the past two days, a North Korean fighter jet violated South Korean airspace before turning back as warplanes in the South scrambled. It was the first incident of its kind in 20 years.

This followed a North Korean threat to abandon the 1953 Korean armistice if the United States punishes the communist government. The administration has said penalties are not now being considered.