Both subjects are high priority for Seoul. Six South Koreans drowned last month when the North suddenly released water from a dam, flooding camping areas in the South.

VOA: standard.2009.10.13

"This exercise is directed at being a deterrent for the North Koreans, " he said.

CNN: China key to restraining North Korea, U.S. officials say

The move effectively cut Pyongyang out of international financial markets, making it far more difficult for the North Koreans to sustain the regime financially.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Recognizing the Axis of Evil

But this is -- this isn't a step for us to take, this is a step for the North Koreans to take in living up to -- living up to those obligations.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing