NHK reported on Tuesday evening that Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs Thompson stated in a conference call with the press yesterday that Washington will consult with its allies in Asia on deploying intermediate-range missiles in the region since its INF Treaty with Russia has expired. Thompson also stressed the need for China to be a part of a new multinational disarmament framework that the U.S. is discussing with Russia and voiced concern about North Korea’s latest missile launches.