U.S. President Donald Trump told Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that Washington would continue to increase its military capabilities to defend allies in Asia following a North Korean ballistic missile test earlier in the week, according to a White House press released issued on Wednesday.

The two leaders spoke on the phone following the test, with Trump reaffirming support for regional allies Japan and South Korea and Abe calling the launch “new threat from North Korea”.

“The President also made clear that the United States will continue to strengthen its ability to deter and defend itself and its allies with