Pentagon chief says its not clear what Pyongyang will do in new test of long-range missile

NKorea appears to be testing long-range missile

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Robert Gates says North Korea appears to be working on a long-range missile but it’s not clear yet what they plan to do with it.

At a Manila news conference Monday with Philippines Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., Gates said there have been some signs that North Korea is preparing another long-range missile.

The reclusive communist regime tested a long-range missile in April, but other launches over the last week have been only short-range.

“But, says Gates, “at this point, it’s not clear what they’re going to do.”

He says the threat posed by North Korea was one best tackled by partnering nations.

Gates is in the Philippines discussing the region’s military and security issues.