(VOVworld) – The US will conduct two major tests in May of its ability to shoot down missiles launched out of North Korea, the Pentagon reported.

A missile test conducted at a secret place in North Korea (Photo: EPA/VNA)

US defense officials said the tests in the Pacific are part of the US military’s overall ballistic missile defense program, but now they are aimed at ensuring Washington can defend against a threat from North Korea.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday praised China’s role in denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula, and hailed China’s recent positive actions, including halting its import of North Korean coal and complying with UN sanctions.