U.S., Japan, South Korea explore ways to restrict Pyongyang weapons funding

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un watches a performance given with splendor at the People's Theatre on Wednesday to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the State Merited Chorus in this photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang on February 23, 2017. KCNA/via REUTERS

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Senior officials from the United States, South Korea and Japan discussed ways to further restrict funding for North Korea's weapons programs during talks in Washington on Monday, the countries said in a joint statement.

"The officials considered other possible measures under national authorities, including means to restrict further the revenue sources for North Korea's weapons programs, particularly illicit activities," the statement said.