In a rare split from its defense ally, Japan put a damper on plans for a multilateral meeting in December proposed by the United States and Canada to discuss North Korea.
Foreign Minister Taro Kono indicated after a Cabinet meeting that the talks will not take place this year.
A Japanese government source said Canada invited the members of the United Nations Command and others to meet in Vancouver later this month to discuss North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile development, but Japan expressed concerns that the pursuit of dialogue may take the emphasis away from pressure in dealing with Pyongyang.