By Sohn JiAe and Kim Young Shin

President Moon Jae-in spoke with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe over the phone on Nov. 29 to discuss North Korea’s long-range ballistic missile launch into the East Sea. The two leaders agreed to strengthen countermeasures against Pyongyang’s provocations.

During the 20-minute conversation, the two heads of the state expressed concern over North Korea’s claim that it has a full nuclear force. They agreed to push forward more determined and strict sanctions, together with the international community, at the U.N. Security Council meeting on Nov. 30.

“ I plan to ask Chinese President Xi Jinping to play a stronger role during my visit to China, which is scheduled for next month,” said President Moon. “The North’s provocations are more serious because the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are soon to begin.”

“It's imperative for peace in Northeast Asia and around the world that the Olympic Games are held safely,” the president said.

“It's very important that China play a larger role in putting pressure on North Korea,” said the Japanese prime minister.

jiae5853@korea.kr