The US secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, is currently in Japan on the first leg of an Asian tour. She took the opportunity there to speak out about, and to, North Korea. She issues a stark warning at the same time she extended a hand offering help.

Clinton promised that the US would offer aid if North Korea would eliminate it’s nuclear programme. This comes amidst rumors that the country is ready to test fire a long range missile, a move branded by Clinton as unhelpful. This offer of help came after her warning that ‘the United States is watching North Korea very closely to see if it ends provocative language and actions’. On Monday, Pyongyang asserted it’s right to ‘space development’ – this was probably what prompted Clinton’s warning. Clinton’s promise of aid is not just financial, but to normalize ties between the two countries. There has not yet been a response from Pyongyang.

Clinton has said further that it is now up to North Korea to respond to her offer. Talks between North and South Korea, Japan, China, Russia and the US  on how to end North Korea’s nuclear programme has stymied over the last months due to Pyongyang’s refusal to agree to a system to verify the dismantling of the programme. Hopefully Clinton’s olive branch will kick start talks again.