That direction was not evident from North Korean leadership, as state-run TV highlighted a propaganda video showing missile strikes leaving the U.S. in flames.
"North Korea is the most risky and urgent threat to peace and security in the Asia-Pacific", the vice president said, standing on the deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan presently stationed at Yokosuka Naval Base in Tokyo Bay, Japan.
Later Mr Pence vowed to "defeat any attack and meet any use of conventional or nuclear weapons with an overwhelming and effective American response".
Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday warned North Korea not to test the resolve of the USA military, promising it would make an "overwhelming and effective" response to any use of conventional or nuclear weapons.
The previous day, Pyongyang paraded its military hardware, including what could have been two intercontinental ballistic missile canisters. Many analysts expected that to occur during Kim Il Sung celebrations.
Mattis credited China with trying to help get the North Korea situation "under control" with the goal of denuclearizing the peninsula.
The US played its own part in the tensions with surprise bombing action in Syria and Afghanistan, which Pence held up Wednesday as proof of US resolve.
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The ministry also added that it's in touch with Australia as well regarding the changes in that country's work visa programme. The wideranging shake-up to the citizenship test which will also include strict new English language requirements.
"North Korea would do well not to test his resolve - or the strength of the armed forces of the United States in this region".
Mattis denounced North Korea's attempted missile launch as he began a Middle East tour, telling reporters traveling with him to Saudi Arabia, "the leader of North Korea again recklessly tried to provoke something by launching a missile", he said.
The BBC's Stephen McDonell in Beijing says the Chinese government appears to be becoming increasingly frustrated with North Korea, its traditional ally.
Recent developments, however, have may have confused that message.
Visiting U.S. Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday reiterated the commitment to working with Japan and other countries in the region to bring an end to nuclear and missile issues on the Korean Peninsula. The USS Carl Vinson and strike force warships were in fact headed to the Indian Ocean for joint exercises with the Australian Navy, more than 3,000 miles from Korean Peninsula.
The White House faces mounting pressure to set conditions and limits for prospective intervention in North Korea.
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