‘Past efforts have failed’: White House announces tough new strategy on North Korea

A joint statement from Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coates outlined the US’s new stance on North Korea on Wednesday.

“Past efforts have failed to halt North Korea’s unlawful weapons programs and nuclear and ballistic missile tests,” the statement reads.

“North Korea jeopardizes the stability in Northeast Asia and poses a growing threat to our allies and the US Homeland.”

President Donald Trump authorized a review of the White House’s North Korea policy upon entering office, according to the statement, and has resolved to ramp up pressure on the North Korean regime to deescalate tensions. The statement may also shed some light on the classified briefing Senators received at the White House on Wednesday about the hermit kingdom.

“We are engaging responsible members of the international community to increase pressure on the DPRK,” reads the statment, referring to North Korea by it’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

The release specifically cites US allies South Korea and Japan as partners in the effort to reel in North Korea. Trump has also been especially vocal about getting China’s help in resolving the issue.

 

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Featured image courtesy of Reuters