The new head of the U.S. Pacific Command has stressed the need to keep a close eye on North Korea and to prepare to discourage any provocations by the communist state.

In his Senate confirmation hearing Thursday, Admiral Robert Willard said the U.S. and the international community should remain prepared to tackle any North Korean contingencies, following a series of provocations that include last week's launch of short and mid-range missiles.

Willard said the latest provocations by the North may be a result of leader Kim Jong-il's declining health, the issue of power succession in the communist country and the emergence of a conservative government in South Korea.

Willard also emphasized the role China must play in resolving the North Korean nuclear problem due to the neighboring country’s influence on the North as a long-time ally.