North Korea: The 'Era Of Strategic Patience Is Over', US Warns

US Vice President Mike Pence has warned North Korea that the "era of strategic patience is over" as he visited the Korean Demilitarised Zone.

Less than 24 hours of Pyongyang's failed missile test, Mr Pence said that "President Trump has made it clear that the patience of the United States and our allies in this region has run out": 

"We want to see change. We want to see North Korea abandon its reckless path of the development of nuclear weapons, and also its continual use and testing of ballistic missiles is unacceptable."

He also said in a joint statement alongside South Korean acting president Hwang Kyo-ahn that the United States' commitment to its ally is "iron-clad and immutable".

During his visit, Mr Pence said President Trump was hopeful that China would use its "extraordinary levers" to pressure the North to abandon its weapons programme, but he expressed impatience with the unwillingness of the regime to move towards ridding itself of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.

The statement comes after President Donald Trump tweeted China is working with the United States "on the North Korean problem".

The Vice President also reiterated that "all options are on the table" to deal with the threat and said that any use of nuclear weapons by Pyongyang would be met with "an overwhelming and effective response".

Mr Pence's unannounced visit was the start of his 10-day trip to Asia, and came amid increasing tensions and heated rhetoric on the Korean Peninsula.

North Korea has conducted five nuclear tests, including two last year. Recent satellite imagery suggests the country could conduct another underground nuclear test at any time.