White House national security adviser HR McMaster says the US is in a race to address the threat from North Korea. <br/><br/>The potential for war is increasing every day but armed conflict is not the only solution, he told a defence forum. His comments came three days after North Korea carried out its first ballistic missile test in two months, in defiance of UN resolutions. <br/>'<br/>The latest missile flew higher than any others previously tested, before falling into Japanese waters. <br/>'<br/>Tensions have heated up in recent months over the north's continued development of its nuclear and missile programme, in spite of global condemnation and international sanctions. Pyongyang conducted its first nuclear test in September.<br/><br/>

White House national security adviser HR McMaster says the US is in a race to address the threat from North Korea. <br/><br/>The potential for war is increasing every day but armed conflict is not the only solution, he told a defence forum. His comments came three days after North Korea carried out its first ballistic missile test in two months, in defiance of UN resolutions. <br/>'<br/>The latest missile flew higher than any others previously tested, before falling into Japanese waters. <br/>'<br/>Tensions have heated up in recent months over the north's continued development of its nuclear and missile programme, in spite of global condemnation and international sanctions. Pyongyang conducted its first nuclear test in September.<br/><br/>