(VOVworld) –  The White House said on Sunday that US President Donald Trump and South Korea's Acting President Hwang Kyo-Ahn vowed to strengthen their joint defense capabilities against North Korea. Trump reiterated the US commitment to defend South Korea, including the provision of extended deterrence and use of full military capabilities. 

US President Donald Trump (L) and South Korea’s Acting President Hwang Kyo-Ahn (R) (Photo: Manila Bulletin)

US Defense Secretary James Mattis is due to travel to South Korea on Wednesday and Japan on Friday. The trip comes amid worries of the two American allies about the US policy change under Donald Trump administration. During his campaign, Trump threatened to withdraw US forces from South Korea and Japan if they did not increase financial support for their defense.