Clinton: N. Korea needs 'strong action'

WASHINGTON, June 7 (UPI) -- The United States needs to take "strong action" in response to North Korea's recent nuclear and missile tests, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Sunday.

Clinton, appearing on ABC's "This Week," suggested the action should take the form of seizing shipments carrying nuclear weapons or technology, The New York Times reported. Others in the Obama administration have suggested China might be convinced to help.

North Korea's biggest export is weapons, and interdiction could make the country even poorer.

On "This Week," Clinton warned of the danger of "an arms race in Asia," apparently suggesting Japan, the only country to suffer nuclear bombing, might decide to become a nuclear power in response to North Korea.

President Barack Obama and top officials have taken a tougher line on North Korea. The administration is willing to restart the six-party talks but is no longer willing to accept promises that North Korea will dismantle its nuclear plant at Yongbyon.

"I'm tired of buying the same horse twice," Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates said.

Obama said Saturday in France the United States will not "continue a policy of rewarding provocation."