The commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel Locklear, has confirmed that North Korea moved a mid-range Musudan missile to its east coast.

Speaking before the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, Locklear said there has been a Musudan movement to the east coast as was widely reported.

He said North Korea’s nuclear ambitions are a direct threat to the United States and its allies, stressing the U.S. is ready to defend South Korea should the North engage in military provocations.

Locklear noted North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is harder to predict than his father or grandfather.

Meanwhile, at the White House, Press Secretary Jay Carney told reporters that "North Korea’s statement advising foreigners to make plans to evacuate Seoul is more unhelpful rhetoric that serves only to escalate tensions.”

Carney added that the U.S. is working closely with not only China but also with Russia to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula.