The leaders of South Korea, the U.S. and Japan have condemned North Korea’s firing of artillery at South Korea's Yeonpyeong Island.
President Lee Myung-bak spoke with U.S. President Barack Obama on the phone following Tuesday’s attack. Both agreed that the provocation appears to have been premeditated and that a firm response is needed.
Obama was quoted as saying that China should cooperate with Seoul and Washington on relations with North Korea. China, the long-time ally of the North, has yet to make an official comment on the incident.
In an earlier statement, the Defense Ministry in Seoul said the U.S and South Korea have agreed to launch joint military exercises in the Yellow Sea on Sunday and that the USS George Washington supercarrier will take part in the drills.
Obama said the two nations should hold joint military exercises whenever necessary.
Lee also discussed the situation with Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan, who said that the firing of artillery is a clear provocation and that Tokyo hopes China will exercise its influence on North Korea in regards to the situation.