Vice President Pence addressed service members in Japan Tuesday, promising an "overwhelming" U.S. response to any attack as tensions with North Korea rise.

“We will defeat any attack and meet any use of nuclear or conventional weapons with an overwhelming and effective American response,” he said aboard the USS Reagan in Yokosuka, Japan.

“As history attests, when America is strong, the world is safe,” Pence told an audience of U.S. and Japanese service members. “Make no mistake, under President Trump Donald John TrumpHR McMaster says president's policy to withdraw troops from Afghanistan is 'unwise' Cast of 'Parks and Rec' reunite for virtual town hall to address Wisconsin voters Biden says Trump should step down over coronavirus response MORE the United States will be strong.”

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Pence acknowledged gathering "storm clouds" between the U.S. and North Korea over Pyongyang's continued missile tests and nuclear weapons program.

“North Korea is the most dangerous and urgent threat to the peace and security of the Asia Pacific,” Pence said.

“It’s fitting today that I deliver this message aboard this great ship. Her steel deck literally signifies the ironclad alliance our country enjoys with Japan and our enduring commitment to the Asia Pacific.”

Trump said Tuesday that “you always have to be concerned” about nuclear war when dealing with North Korea.

A senior North Korea official said Monday that the U.S. has created “a dangerous situation in which a thermonuclear war may break out at any minute.”

“[North Korea] is ready to react to any mode of war desired by the U.S.,” Kim In Ryong, North Korea’s deputy ambassador to the United Nations, added in Panmunjom, North Korea.

North Korea tried but failed to launch a ballistic missile on its east coast last Sunday and is raising concerns about a possible nuclear weapons test.