The head of the U.S. Pacific Command says the U.S. is keeping a close watch on North Korea following Pyongyang’s consolidation of naval power along the west coast in recent weeks.

Admiral Robert Willard told reporters in Washington on Thursday that although the U.S. hopes the six-way nuclear talks will resume soon, it will continue to closely monitor the communist state for possible provocations.

Willard added that Washington is also closely studying the possible ramifications in the North from its failed currency reform as well as the health of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il and the issue of his heir.