The incoming chief of the U.S. armed forces says that North Korea remains the largest threat to Northeast Asia.

In a written statement submitted for his Senate confirmation hearing, General Martin Dempsey, the nominee for chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that North Korea will remain a serious security threat in Northeast Asia and a significant concern for the U.S. and the international community.

He pointed out that the North continues to improve "asymmetric capabilities, including weapons of mass destruction, ballistic missiles, special operation forces and cyber capabilities."

When asked about U.S. response to more North Korean provocations, he said the role of the U.S. troops in South Korea is to "deter North Korean aggression and if deterrence fails, fight and win."

He stressed that South Korea and the U.S. will achieve this goal through their well trained militaries.

If confirmed, Dempsey will replace Admiral Mike Mullen as the top U.S. military officer.