The leaders of Japan, the United States and South Korea say they strongly condemn North Korea's ballistic missile launches and will respond resolutely should Pyongyang conduct a nuclear test.

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, US President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol issued a joint statement after meeting on the sidelines of an ASEAN summit on Sunday.

The statement says North Korea's unprecedented number of ballistic missile launches this year poses "a grave threat to the peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and beyond."

It says the three leaders urge the North to comply with United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The statement goes on to say Pyongyang's nuclear test "would be met with a strong and resolute response from the international community."

It says Japan, US and South Korea will coordinate in ensuring that "all relevant sanctions are fully enforced."

The statement underscores the US commitment to reinforce extended deterrence to Japan and South Korea "backed by the full range of capabilities, including nuclear."

It also says the leaders intend to share North Korea's "missile warning data in real time to improve each country's ability to detect and assess the threat posed by incoming missiles, a major step for deterrence, peace and stability."

In addition, it says the three leaders call on North Korea to return to negotiations, saying, "The path to dialogue remains open toward peaceful and diplomatic resolution."

The statement also says the leaders reaffirm their commitment to an immediate resolution of the abduction issue.