President Donald Trump faces a growing challenge from North Korea (DPRK) as the reclusive regime rolls out new ballistic missiles with greater ranges and prepares for a possible sixth nuclear test.
“This problem is coming to a head,” White House National Security Adviser Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster said Sunday on ABC News’s “This Week,” adding that this problem “can’t continue.” McMaster said that the U.S. will “undertake all actions we can, short of a military option, to try to resolve this peacefully.”
Before a smiling Kim Jong-un, North Korea presented several new weapons Saturday at a military parade celebrating the 105th anniversary of the birth of DPRK founder Kim Il Sung. During the parade, the North showed off a few intercontinental ballistic missile models, potentially moving the regime a step closer to its goal of developing an ICBM that can deliver a nuclear warhead to the continental U.S.
The North also showcased several additional weapons it could possibly use to threaten the security of America’s allies.
Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) are driven past the stand with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and other high ranking officials during a military parade. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj
Without going into specifics to avoid telegraphing American plans, McMaster said that the administration will do what is necessary to prevent North Korea from putting American lives in danger.
Missiles are driven past the stand with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and other high ranking officials during a military parade marking the 105th birth anniversary of country’s founding father, Kim Il Sung, in Pyongyang April 15, 2017. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj
“It’s clear that the president is determined not to allow this kind of capability to threaten the United States … Our president will take action that is in the best interest of the American people,” he explained.
The national security adviser said that the administration’s recent actions in Syria and elsewhere have demonstrated that Trump “is comfortable making the tough decisions.”
North Korea has managed to develop nuclear weapons and the means to use them against other countries. Two decades of failed policies — from the payment plans of the Clinton administration to the negotiations of the Bush administration to the policy of “strategic patience” employed by the Obama administration — have failed to deter them. The North Korea threat has puzzled leaders for decades, and it continues to do so.
Trump’s present policy course relies heavily on China and economic sanctions, but he has indicated that he is prepared to use other options if these approaches prove ineffective at curbing North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. “I have great confidence that China will properly deal with North Korea. If they are unable to do so, the U.S., with its allies, will!” Trump tweeted Thursday.
North Korea attempted another missile launch — the eighth since Trump took office — Sunday. The missile failed, but the test suggests that the North will continue with its provocations. North Korea has indicated that it plans to conduct another nuclear test, and that may not be far off as satellite images show that preparations are already complete.
Recent reports suggest that the U.S. will adopt a more forceful approach if North Korea decides to follow through with its plans; however, it is unclear what specific actions the administration will take.
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