Hagel says N. Korea nearing 'dangerous line'

U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel warned Wednesday that North Korea has come very close to a "dangerous line" with its sharp statements iand provocative steps.

"North Korea has been, with its bellicose rhetoric, its actions, has been skating very close to a dangerous line," he said during a press conference at the Pentagon. "Their actions and words have not helped defuse a combustible situation."

He emphasized that North Korea's threats should be ratcheted down and its actions "neutralized."

Hagel met with media mainly to discuss the department's budget plans for next year. But the first question from reporters was about the North Korean crisis.