Anchor: The U.S. military has conducted a successful missile defense test over the Pacific Ocean just two days after North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said that continued provocations by the rogue country are unacceptable, calling on China to intensify its pressure on North Korea.
Our Laurence Taylor has more.
 
Report: The U.S. Air Force air-launched a medium-range ballistic missile from a U.S. military jet over the Pacific Ocean on Sunday. 

The missile was detected, tracked and intercepted in midair by the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense(THAAD) system located at a complex in Alaska. 
 
The U.S. Missile Defense Agency said in a statement that the test, which was conducted without prior notice to the THAAD unit, was successful.
 
The agency said that the data collected from the test will be used to enhance its THAAD weapon system and its ability to stay ahead of the evolving threat.
 
The U.S. military has conducted 15 THAAD tests so far including the latest one, which were all successful.
 
The test was planned prior to North Korea’s second ICBM test, but U.S. media viewed it as a warning for the North.
 
Meanwhile, Vice President Mike Pence repeated calls for China’s increased pressure against North Korea.
 
[Sound bite: US Vice President Mike Pence]
"Well, all options are on the table... But the era of strategic patience is over. The president of the United States is leading a coalition of nations to bring pressure to bear until that time that North Korea will permanently abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile program."
 
Pence, who is visiting Europe, said Sunday that Washington will continue to marshal the support of the international community to put pressure on Pyongyang until the North will permanently abandon its nuclear and missile program. 
Laurence Taylor, KBS World Radio News.

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