The United States says the evidence produced in an investigation of North Korea’s sinking of the Cheonan naval ship is compelling.

State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters on Thursday that Washington thinks that the evidence is compelling, adding that Washington believes that it’s time for the international community to come together in a united and demonstrated way and send a clear message to North Korea.

Crowley added that the U.S. hopes that through Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao’s visit to South Korea, Beijing will recognize and support the conclusions of the investigation on the sinking of the South Korean ship.

Crowley’s statements came after the North’s National Defense Commission held a rare news conference and denied Pyongyang's involvement in the sinking of the South Korean naval ship.