While Other Nations Seek Diplomatic Solution, U.S. Thinks of Preemptive Strike

The U.S. hosted a conference of all the countries that backed South Korea during the Korea War in 1950. In the meeting, these countries agreed to support the renewed dialogue between the two Koreas hoping it will ease the tensions. It was also agreed that a diplomatic solution to the crisis is the only option on the table.

Even after strict sanctions to North Korea, Kim Jong-un has refused to stop the development of nuclear missiles that are capable of hitting the U.S., which has resulted in growing tensions between the North and the South raising chances of new war happening.

The meeting was co-hosted by the United States and Canada in Vancouver, where new ways to increase pressure on North Korea were discussed.

It was reported by U.S. officials that there was a debate within the Trump administration if more active consideration should be given to military preemptive strike on the North Korean missile sites.

“I’m a not going to comment on issues that have yet to be decided among the National Security Council or the president,” Tillerson commented when asked if such a strike is possible.

“We all need to be very sober and clear-eyed about the current situation … We have to recognize that the threat is growing and if North Korea does not choose the pathway of engagement, discussion, negotiation, then they themselves will trigger an option,” Tillerson said.

“Our approach is, in terms of having North Korea chose the correct step, is to present them with what is the best option – talks are the best option; that when they look at the military situation, that’s not a good outcome for them.”

“It is time to talk, but they have to take the step to say they want to talk,” Tillerson concluded.

According to Reuters, the Vancouver meeting pledged to ensure that UN sanctions already in place were fully implemented and the participants said in a joint statement they agreed “to consider and take steps to impose unilateral sanctions and further diplomatic actions that go beyond those required by UN Security Council resolutions.”