Pence is visiting South Korea beginning Sunday, part of an Asia-Pacific trip that comes amid indications that North Korea is potentially preparing its sixth nuclear test. (Photo: AP)

Washington: President Donald Trump has been vague about the options he might employ to deal with North Korea, and it may be up to Vice President Mike Pence to fill in the details.

Pence is visiting South Korea beginning Sunday, part of an Asia-Pacific trip that comes amid indications that North Korea is potentially preparing its sixth nuclear test in a
decade or a significant missile launch.

Trump has responded to recent concerns over North Korea with a swagger that suggests a new, tougher stance. A US aircraft carrier has been dispatched to waters off the Korean Peninsula in a show of force.

Military officials have said the US doesn't intend to use military force against North Korea in response to either a nuclear test or a missile launch.