WASHINGTON: United States Secretary of Defense has warned North Korea of an “effective and overwhelming” response if Pyongyang chose to use nuclear weapons.
“Any attack on the United States, or our allies, will be defeated, and any use of nuclear weapons would be met with a response that would be effective and overwhelming,” Jim Mattis said at South Korea’s defense ministry.
Mattis’ remarks come as he reassured Seoul of steadfast U.S. support at the end of a two-day visit.
He was informed by Washington that North Korea could be readying to test a new ballistic missile, in what could be an early challenge for Trump’s administration.
North Korea, which regularly threatens to destroy South Korea and its main ally, the United States, conducted more than 20 missile tests last year, as well as two nuclear tests, in defiance of U.N. resolutions and sanctions.
“North Korea continues to launch missiles, develop its nuclear weapons program and engage in threatening rhetoric and behaviour,” Mattis said.
Former U.S. officials and other experts have said Washington essentially has two options when it comes to trying to curb North Korea’s fast-expanding nuclear and missile programs – negotiate or take military action.
