The defense chiefs of the United States and South Korea have strongly condemned North Korea's actions. This comes as Pyongyang has continued to conduct ballistic missile test launches.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup discussed responses to North Korea during a meeting at the Pentagon on Thursday.

The US Defense Department said in a release that the two officials strongly condemned North Korea's escalatory activities, including its ballistic missile test launches. It said Austin "reiterated the firm U.S. commitment to providing extended deterrence" to South Korea "utilizing the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities."

The Pentagon also said Austin noted that any nuclear attack against the United States or its allies and partners is unacceptable and will result in the end of Kim Jong Un's regime.

Austin told a news conference after the meeting that it is highly unfortunate that North Korea went ahead with the illegal and destabilizing launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile and additional missile launches.

He added, "We'll continue to work closely together to develop options to protect the United States and our allies."

Austin indicated that the US and South Korea will strengthen cooperation in various areas.