Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is taking a "prudent" and "strategic" approach to addressing North Korean challenges, a U.S. diplomat stated, reiterating its commitment to the "complete denuclearization" of North Korea. According to Yonhap News Agency, during a press briefing, State Department deputy spokesperson Mignon Houston emphasized the trilateral relationship among South Korea, the United States, and Japan as a significant partnership for a "free and open" Indo-Pacific. She acknowledged the efforts by Seoul and Tokyo to overcome historical challenges and deepen cooperation. "The United States has always been committed to the complete denuclearization of North Korea. This is a commitment because we understand ... following this commitment, we are ensuring the stability of the region," Houston stated at the Foreign Press Center in Washington. The Trump administration is working with allies to ensure "transparent" defense measures, "efficient and effective" military cooperation , and appropriate risk mitigation measures for security on the peninsula. Houston noted that these are strategic steps to ensure a secure Korean Peninsula. The deputy spokesperson responded to a question regarding the Trump administration's approach to North Korea, contrasting it with the former President Joe Biden's administration, which branded its approach as "calibrated" and "practical." Houston reiterated the U.S.' priority to maintain steady three-way cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, which has strengthened amid improvements in Seoul-Tokyo ties long strained over historical and territorial issues. She highlighted the progress in Japan-South Korea relations and recognized the importance of working together to address shared challenges. The trilateral relationship is seen as integral to promoting regional peace, with South Korea being the "linchpin of peace, security and safety in the Indo-Pacific." Houston also touched on the economic ties, noting that South Korea's extensive trade relationship with the U.S. supports at least 350,000 American jobs. She defended Trump's tariff policy as a strategic step toward fair trade relations and highlighted ongoing trade negotiations with South Korea, Japan, and other countries. South Korea, Japan, and other countries have been in negotiations to reach trade deals as Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs, including 25 percent duties on Korea, are set to take effect on Aug. 1. The steep tariffs took effect on April 9, but a 90-day pause was enacted to allow for negotiations, now extended until Aug. 1. Houston also addressed questions about the Quad forum's potential expansion to include new members like South Korea, suggesting there might be opportunities for cooperation with Korea within the group, which consists of the U.S., Australia, Japan, and India.