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Rice reassures Japan, discusses N. Korea worries

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TOKYO, Japan (CNN) -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice met with Japanese leaders Wednesday as the world awaited a possible second nuclear test by North Korea.

At a news conference with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso, Rice reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to Tokyo and the region. The United States has security agreements with Japan and South Korea.

"The United States has the will and the ability to meet the full range of its deterrent and security commitments to Japan," Rice said.

She also echoed President Bush's earlier comments that Pyongyang will be held accountable "should it transfer nuclear materials or weapons to other states or to nonstate actors." (Watch why U.S. is worried there will be a second test -- 2:00)

Rice also met with the Japanese prime minister, chief cabinet secretary and defense minister on her tour to encourage strict enforcement of the sanctions approved by the U.N. Security Council on Saturday following North Korea's nuclear test on October 9.

"We have discussed the security situation in the region in light of the earlier North Korean nuclear test, and the U.N. Security Council has acted firmly and resolutely to say to the North Koreans that it is unacceptable," Rice said.

Rice also said Iran's nuclear agenda was discussed and said she expects the U.N. Security Council will take action.

The resolution approved Saturday calls for inspections of cargo traveling to and from North Korea to search for items that could be used in a nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction program.

On Thursday Rice plans to visit with leaders in Seoul, and on Friday she will be in Beijing for talks that she said will include discussions on how best to implement the inspections.

Rice's arrival in Asia came as the intelligence community said it had observed potential preparations for a nuclear test at three or more sites in North Korea, according to a U.S. intelligence analyst.

Earlier, an official with access to intelligence information said that activity at one site looked very similar to activity seen at the site of the first nuclear test just before that explosion was detonated.

The official said buildings and other structures were being fabricated at this second site, possibly in an effort to hide activities there from spy satellites. (Watch what U.S. intelligence is finding at possible test site -- 1:46 )

There were also reports of statements from senior North Korean military officials saying that the government intended to conduct multiple tests, the official said.

Activity was also seen at the site of the confirmed nuclear test, the official told CNN. It was not clear if that activity was cleanup, maintenance or just wrapping up the testing there.

While traveling to Japan, Rice said the United States had concerns about a second North Korean nuclear test.

"I'm not going to speculate," she said of the possible test preparations, "but obviously we're concerned about a further action by the North Koreans. But, further action by the North Koreans is only going to deepen their isolation, which is pretty deep right now."

"We have no desire to see this crisis escalate," Rice said. "In fact, it is our goal to see a de-escalation of this, despite North Korea's actions. But North Korea now needs to understand that the international community has spoken.

"The international community has said that it is unacceptable for North Korea to have a nuclear program, that denuclearization of the Korean peninsula remains the goal of the international community." (Watch Rice warn North Korea -- 1:32 )

Diplomatic sources in South Korea said Seoul was aware of the activity at the North Korean nuclear sites, and news agencies in Japan quoted sources in the government saying they, too, were aware of the activity.

In Washington, White House spokesman Tony Snow said it would not be "unreasonable to assume the North Koreans are planning a second test."

North Korea calls U.N. resolution 'declaration of war'

Pyongyang on Tuesday issued its strongest response to the passage of the Security Council resolution, calling it a "declaration of war."

A North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman said his country would "deal merciless blows" against those who would cross Pyongyang.

Although the resolution passed on a 15-0 vote by the U.N. Security Council, including North Korean ally China, Pyongyang's statement laid the blame for its passage squarely on Washington, advising the United States not to "miscalculate."

The measure forbids trade between U.N. member states and North Korea in material that may be used for nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction and high-end military equipment. It requires Pyongyang not to conduct further nuclear tests or launch ballistic missiles, and it demands that the country abandon all weapons of mass destruction programs.

The resolution also includes a ban on "trade and luxury goods" and requires member states to freeze the assets of North Korean entities and individuals.(Resolution text)

CNN's Barbara Starr and Jamie McIntyre contributed to this report.

Copyright 2006 CNN. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Associated Press contributed to this report.

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