North Korea Looms Large Over Tillerson's First Trip to Asia

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is heading to North Asia amid growing tensions with North Korea. 

He is set to visit Japan, South Korea, and China, which all have concerns over North Korea's missile launches and nuclear tests. 

Tillerson's four-day trip will be closely watched for signs of how the Trump administration will deal with the country. 

North Korea has conducted two nuclear tests and 24 ballistic missile test within the last year, including four missiles that were fired near a U.S. Marine based in South Korea last week. 

The administration is searching for new ideas to stop the communist regime.

"Thus far we have been unable to persuade them either through U.N. action, through sanctions, whatever. So I think we need to look at new possibilities," State Department spokesman Mark Toner said.

The administration says all options are on the table, including military defense. The Associated Press reports the administration has no desire to negotiate with the country. 

Tillerson's other task will be to arrange a much-anticipated visit by China's President Xi Jinping to the United States.