North Korea last tested a nuclear bomb in September, but it has conducted repeated missile tests since and vowed to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the USA mainland, putting it at the forefront of Trump's security worries.
The three pastors - Kim Jung-wook, Kim Kuk-gi and Choe Chun-gil - were sentenced to hard labor for life on charges of spying for South Korea's spy agency.
But the USA officials said it will be at least a year before they can evaluate whether the North Koreans are feeling pressure because of China.
Since they received their punishments, their physical conditions and safety have not been known.
Trump has hardened his rhetoric against North Korea following the death of Otto Warmbier, a University of Virginia student who died on Monday.
US lawmakers are pressing for a tough response against Pyongyang over its treatment of the 22-year-old university student, who was accused of trying to steal a propaganda banner while visiting with a tour group and was convicted of subversion.
If Washington imposed sanctions on Chinese enterprises dealing with North Korea, it would lead to "grave friction" between the two countries, wrote the paper, which does not represent Chinese government policy. "There's no way for me to know that for sure".
Conservative Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy threatens to vote against Obamacare replacement bill
But as of now, victory is not guaranteed and he stopped short of definitely scheduling the vote for next week. Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn (R-TX) said, "We don't have a bill ".
The US will send two strategic B-1 bombers to the Korean peninsula to take part in joint drills with the South Korean Air Force, the Defence Ministry said on Tuesday.
Moon, who is scheduled to visit Washington next week, also said in an interview with CBS on Tuesday he hoped to draw North Korea into negotiations on its nuclear program by the end of the year. Analysts said his death would likely cast a shadow on relations between the USA and North Korea and compound efforts by South Korea's new liberal president to improve ties with the North.
In a characteristically impulsive display of public philosophizing, Donald Trump took to Twitter on Tuesday to leave his followers, and his own administration, mulling over his latest stance on North Korea, whose regime the president has repeatedly deemed a grave threat to America.
North Korea continues to test missiles at an unprecedented rate, while United States warships and aircraft have maintained a consistent presence in the region for months. "I also urge North Korea to return these people to their families".
North Korea leader Kim Jong Un has escalated his country's military programme amid fears he is trying to develop a missile that is capable of reaching United States shores.
But she said the USA wants more action against blacklisted North Korean companies doing business through China.
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