Vice President Mike Pence said Wednesday the United States will soon announce its "the toughest and most aggressive" economic sanctions ever against North Korea.
Speaking after a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Pence said the U.S. pressure on North Korea will continue until it "abandons its nuclear and ballistic missile program once and for all."
The vice president is on a multi-stop trip to Northeast Asia that includes leading the U.S. delegation at the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
"We'll be there to cheer our athletes, but we'll also be there to stand with our allies and remind the world that North Korea is the most tyrannical and oppressive regime on the planet," he said.
Some North Korean athletes are participating in the games and will march under one flag with South Korea's delegation.
"We will not allow North Korean propaganda to hijack the message and imagery of the Olympic Games," Pence added.
He further pledged support for ally Japan, saying the U.S. military is dedicated to protect the country and that the two governments have "completely aligned" their policies on North Korea.
