The vice foreign ministers of Japan, the United States and South Korea have agreed to strengthen deterrence and response capabilities to counter North Korea's missile threats.

Japan's Vice Foreign Minister Mori Takeo held talks over the phone with US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and South Korea's First Vice Foreign Minister Chang Ho-jin on Monday.

He criticized North Korea's ballistic missile launches, which have been taking place at an unprecedented pace, saying they pose an urgent and crucial threat to regional security.

The three senior officials agreed to boost trilateral cooperation in order to realize a complete denuclearization of North Korea in line with UN Security Council resolutions.

They shared the view that the path to dialogue is open to seek a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the situation.

They also agreed to cooperate to prevent the spread of false information regarding the planned release of treated and diluted water accumulated from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the ocean.

In addition, they vowed to work closely to prepare for the trilateral summit of their leaders. Arrangements are being made for it to take place in the United States in the latter half of August.