Military.com reports that “The U.S., South Korea and Japan will hold their first joint anti-missile exercises next month to better counter the threat from North Korea, the defense ministry [in Seoul] said Monday.”  

“It was the latest sign that worries over the North’s nuclear weapons program are pushing the allies closer together. China urged restraint, calling on all parties to remain calm.  

“Tensions spiked this year since the North staged its fourth nuclear test and fired a long-range rocket, moves that prompted a new round of tougher U.N. economic sanctions. Despite the punishing measures, Pyongyang attempted several other missile launches, including one from a submarine.”