The Vice President also pointed out that it was necessary to "level that playing field between our two countries" and assured that the USA will work together with South Korea to reform the agreement. Pence was also expected to explain to Japanese leaders why the USA withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TTP) free trade deal, according to insiders.
Pence told business leaders before leaving Seoul that the Trump administration is reviewing all trade agreements as part of its "America First" policy.
"North Korea would do well not to test his resolve or the strength of the armed forces of the United States in the region".
North Korea has threatened to launch missile tests "every week", keeping up its drumbeat as Vice President Mike Pence arrived in Japan with a renewed security commitment created to soothe nerves over Pyongyang's atomic weapons program.
US Vice President Mike Pence said on Tuesday all options are on the table in dealing with North Korea, but that President Donald Trump is determined to work with Japan, China and South Korea to find a peaceful solution.
Pence earlier told a news conference in South Korea that "the era of strategic patience is over" after North Korea on Sunday test-fired another missile and fears mounted that it may be preparing a sixth nuclear test.
After meeting with Abe, Pence held talks with Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso on a new U.S. -Japan "economic dialogue" to be led by the two. With no USA trade representative yet in office and other key positions still unfilled, such nitty-gritty discussions will have to come later.
A foreign ministry official involved in global economic affairs said that what Pence said during the meeting appears to be in line with the Trump administration's stance on free trade and that there is no need to read too much into every single word when interpreting his intention.
Pence Takes Belligerent but 'Non-Military' Stance on North Korea
President Donald Trump pulled the USA out of the 12-country trade agreement after his inauguration in January. He said that under Trump, the USA will stand up to its enemies with its allies.
White House officials say the meetings in Tokyo are meant to forge a framework for future discussions after the US withdrew from a Pacific Rim trade pact.
Pence's meeting in Seoul with business leaders comes before he heads to Tokyo later on Tuesday, where he will meet Japan's Finance Minister Taro Aso and kick off talks that Washington hopes will open doors for USA -made products.
Mr. Pence is on a 10-day Asia trip that will also take him to Indonesia and Australia.
The loss of USA participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership was a blow to Japan following strenuous negotiations, especially over opening its long-protected farm sector to more imports, especially of dairy and meat products.
Before Pence's arrival, Aso told reporters the talks were meant to provide, "not friction, but cooperation".
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told the press that Tokyo would also seek some reassurance about security with regards to North Korea during Pence's visit.
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence gives a speech to members of the American Chamber of Commerce at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, April 18, 2017.
As Indiana governor, Pence saw firsthand the impact of Japanese automakers Toyota, Honda and Subaru, whose factories employ thousands of people in his home state.
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