U.S. President Donald Trump promised Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in telephone talks earlier this month to consult with Japan before taking action — including military action — against North Korea, bilateral diplomatic sources said Wednesday.
Trump also indicated to Abe that the United States will tighten sanctions on Chinese firms doing business with North Korea if China does not cooperate in addressing the threat presented by Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs, the sources said.
That suggests Trump is prepared to get actively involved in inhibiting further provocations by Pyongyang while considering the U.S. alliance with Japan, which has grave concerns about the risks a U.S. attack on North Korea could pose.