"I think we are making a lot of progress," Trump said. "We are showing great strength and I think they understand we have unparalleled strength. There has never been strength like it."

Trump called the North a "worldwide threat that requires worldwide action" and urged the international community, particularly China and Russia, to put more pressure on the North in close coordination.

"We call on every responsible nation, including China and Russia, to demand that North Korean regime end its nuclear weapons and its missile programs and live in peace," Trump said.

"All nations must implement UN Security Council regulations and cease trade and business entirely with North Korea."

He reaffirmed that US is committed to defending itself and its allies from the North by using its "full range" of power.

"As we work together to resolve this problem using all available tools short of military action, the US stands prepared to defend itself and its allies using the full range of our unmatched military capabilities if need be," he added.

Trump still urged the North to come out for talks but declined to elaborate on whether US is having any direct talks with its regime.

"I really believe it makes sense for North Korea to come to the table and to make a deal that is good for the people of North Korea and the people of the world," he said.

With regard to concerns here that South Korea could be bypassed in major policy decisions by US on the North, Trump resolutely said there will be no such thing, adding that the allies are not going to let each other down.

"South Korea, the Republic of Korea, Korea ... is very important to me and there will be no skipping South Korea. I can tell you that right now," he said.
"Plus I have developed a great friendship not only with the president but with others and we are not gonna let them down and they are not gonna let us down. We are doing a lot for them to be honest," he added.

(Yonhap)