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U.S. defense chief worries about ‘reckless’ North Korea actions

U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis, left, and British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon perform a posed handshake for the media as Mattis arrives for their press conference at Lancaster House in London, Friday, March 31, 2017. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, Pool)
U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis, left, and British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon perform a posed handshake for the media as Mattis arrives for their press conference at Lancaster House in London, Friday, March 31, 2017. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, Pool) U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis, left, and British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon perform a posed handshake for the media as Mattis arrives for their press conference at Lancaster House in London, Friday, March 31, 2017. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, Pool)

LONDON (AP) – U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is expressing worry about what he calls “reckless” actions by North Korea, alluding to its nuclear weapons and missile programs.

Mattis spoke at a news conference Friday in London with his British counterpart, Michael Fallon.

Mattis raised the North Korea issue in response to a reporter’s question about Iran. Mattis suggests that North Korea is a more urgent problem.

North Korea is reportedly preparing a new nuclear test. Mattis says North Korea has “got to be stopped.”