US Maintains "Unchanged Readiness" Amid Concerns Over North Korea's ICBM Launch

John Kirby, U.S. Department of Defense Spokesperson
Photo by AP Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] On the 31st (local time), the U.S. Department of Defense stated regarding the rising tensions caused by North Korea's successive military provocations that "we are thoroughly maintaining military readiness on the Korean Peninsula," emphasizing that diplomacy is the right path.

At a briefing that day, John Kirby, spokesperson for the Department of Defense, was asked whether the U.S. is preparing for the possibility of North Korea launching an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) after firing an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM). He replied, "We are always reviewing our forces and readiness on the Korean Peninsula."

Kirby emphasized, "Everything coming from North Korea is considered a factor influencing U.S. decision-making," adding, "Preparation is necessary. There has been no change in our desire to closely cooperate with South Korea regarding military readiness on the Korean Peninsula."

He stated, "Kim Jong-un (Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea) knows what we want him to do next," stressing, "(That is) to stop these launches and provocations, comply with United Nations Security Council resolutions, and cease threats to neighboring countries in the region."

He further said, "We have made it very clear that we are willing to sit down and talk with North Korea without any preconditions," and "That offer still stands."

The U.S. also expressed deep concern about North Korea's advancing missile program, saying, "That is why we focus on ensuring that we and our allies have appropriate response capabilities available in the region."

When asked whether the U.S. is prepared to take a different path if Kim Jong-un wants a "different path," Kirby replied, "I don't know what other ways he might be considering," emphasizing, "What I can say is that we still believe diplomacy is the right path."

Kirby had previously appeared on Fox News the day before, stating, "The U.S. has called for talks without preconditions, but Kim Jong-un wants to take a different path," and "We must ensure military readiness on the Korean Peninsula and in the region."

He added at the briefing, "No one wants a conflict," noting, "It would be destructive for everyone on the Korean Peninsula and elsewhere in the region. There is no reason for it."

He continued, "While making diligent diplomatic efforts to advance dialogue, the Department of Defense must ensure the continuous enhancement of allied capabilities," and "We have an obligation to remain prepared until peaceful denuclearization is achieved on the Korean Peninsula, and we will do what is necessary for that."

Meanwhile, Ned Price, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, said at a briefing that day, "Concerns about North Korea's missile launches are no secret, and we share these concerns with allies in the Indo-Pacific and worldwide, including South Korea and Japan."

Price said, "North Korea's missile and nuclear weapons development has been a long-standing challenge that has troubled successive administrations," adding, "We have continuously developed an approach centered on diplomatic solutions for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."

However, he also said, "Even as we seek diplomatic means to resolve this issue, we are also taking other measures to hold North Korea accountable," noting, "Just this month, we imposed sanctions on eight individuals and entities related to North Korea."

He added, "(There are) organizations and individuals supporting North Korea's development of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missiles. We will continue discussions with the United Nations on these challenges," suggesting the possibility of additional sanctions against North Korea if provocations continue.

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