US Defense "Confident in Readiness for North Korea Provocations... Urging Kim Jong-un to Exercise Restraint"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Kim Bong-su] U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper reiterated on the 2nd (local time) that he is "ready to fight even tonight" in response to North Korea's threat of provocation, urging restraint.

In an interview with Fox News on the same day, Secretary Esper said about the response plan of President Donald Trump and the Department of Defense regarding the North Korean issue, "The best outcome related to North Korea is a political agreement to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula," adding, "We are on that path and want to stay on it. I will clearly urge Kim Jong-un and his leadership team to come back to the negotiating table."

Secretary Esper particularly emphasized that the readiness for provocation is perfect. He said, "From a military perspective, we are still ready to fight tonight if necessary," and "At the same time, we are working closely with our partners in South Korea to ensure the readiness of our forces on the Korean Peninsula."

Regarding the previous day's remarks by former White House National Security Council (NSC) advisor John Bolton, who raised questions about the readiness for North Korea including demands for a congressional hearing via Twitter, Esper responded, "We have perfect forces and are ready with the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Army," adding, "We have Korean partners and a broader alliance and partners. I am confident in the readiness of our forces to fight and win if necessary."

On the incident of the pro-Iranian Shiite protesters attacking the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, he also expressed willingness to conduct preemptive strikes if there are signs of further attacks. Secretary Esper said, "There are signs that Iran or Iran-backed forces may be planning additional attacks," and "If that happens, we will act," adding, "We will take preemptive action to protect U.S. forces who protect American lives."

Esper's remarks are interpreted as part of ongoing warnings within the U.S. around the time of North Korea's 'Christmas gift' threat and Kim Jong-un's indication of a possible shift to a hardline stance with 'new strategic weapons' and 'shocking actual actions.' While emphasizing diplomatic solutions and keeping the door open for dialogue with North Korea, it is a warning message that the U.S. will actively respond to high-intensity provocations such as intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launches.

Earlier, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also urged Kim Jong-un to "choose a different path" and called for the 'right decision' in a Fox News interview on the 31st of last month, warning that it would be very disappointing if Kim broke his promises.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.