The US Department of Defense has expressed its "strong concern" and "disappointment" at South Korea's decision to terminate its intelligence-sharing pact with Japan.
The Pentagon issued a statement after Seoul made the decision on Thursday.
The statement says, "We strongly believe that the integrity of our mutual defense and security ties must persist despite frictions in other areas of the relationship" between Japan and South Korea.
The statement adds, "We'll continue to pursue bilateral and trilateral defense and security cooperation where possible" with Japan and South Korea.
Speaking to reporters in Canada, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also expressed disappointment at South Korea's decision.
Pompeo disclosed that he talked with South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha after Seoul took the decision. He said the US is urging Japan and South Korea to continue dialogue.
