Gates warns North Korea on nuclear spread

Gates sketched the framework of a new administration policy by saying that though a nuclear-armed North Korea is unacceptable, any step it takes to spread the technology would invite the swiftest and most forceful US response.

"The transfer of nuclear weapons or material by North Korea to states or nonstate entities would be considered a grave threat to the United States and our allies," Gates told officials gathered at an Asian defense summit.

"And we would hold North Korea fully accountable for the consequences of such action."

Until Gates's speech, the Obama administration's policy on the North Korean nuclear threat was unclear.

However, the warning by Gates formed the basis for President Obama's approach, classifying North Korea's ambitions as a security concern for the region but, more seriously, as a proliferation worry for the United States and the rest of the world.

Gates's warning came one day after North Korea vowed to retaliate if punitive UN sanctions are imposed for its latest nuclear test.

The Associated Press also reported that US officials said there are new signs Pyongyang may be planning more long-range missile launches.

Officials in Washington told the Associated Press that there are indications of increased activity at a site used to fire long-range missiles.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because methods of gathering information about North Korea are sensitive.

In the five days since North Korea detonated a nuclear bomb and then launched a series of missile tests, including one yesterday, US officials and their allies have reacted by denouncing the regime in general terms.

But Gates, in his address in Singapore today, was more specific, spelling out what action US officials would find most objectionable and subject to a US response.

He did not specify the potential consequences, but his language hinted at a military reaction by echoing post-Sept. 11 Bush administration warnings that those who harbor terrorists would be "held accountable."

Gates's speech also may serve as a message to countries and militant groups that are potential buyers of North Korean weaponry. Past customers are believed to include Iran, Syria, Libya, the militant Lebanese group Hezbollah and others.

However, Gates's appearance at the annual security conference also had powerful diplomatic overtones.

Following his address, Gates was planning to meet with South Korean and Japanese counterparts to discuss security concerns, and he may meet with Chinese officials.

Those meetings are designed to reinforce US security commitments to its allies and to encourage an expanded Chinese effort to rein in its belligerent neighbor. Gates is being joined in the meetings by Deputy Secretary of State Jacques Steinberg, a top aide to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and a close White House ally.

Gates in his address said Obama was open to dialogue with North Korea and had pledged to work with "tyrannies that unclench their fists." But Gates said North Korea's response to US overtures was disappointing.