United States General Vincent Brooks has said ‘self-restraint’ is the only thing keeping America and South Korea from a war with North Korea. Gen. Brooks is currently commander of American troops in Seoul, South Korea.
“Self-restraint, which is a choice, is all that separates armistice and war.”
His comment comes after North Korea’s test launch of their first intercontinental ballistic missile. Japan estimates the missile flew for longer than previously recorded tests at 40 minutes. Japan also reported that the missile landed in their economic zone, though no damage has been reported. Media in Pyongyang said North Korea now had the power to now strike the American mainland with a nuclear warhead, though experts have cautioned taking this claim at face value.
Time reports that North Korea is in the process of developing a nuclear-tipped missile that could reach the United States, specifically Alaska and Hawaii. Nikki Haley, United States Ambassador to the United Nations spoke at U.N. Security Council meeting that North Korea’s actions were “quickly closing off the possibility of a diplomatic solution” and the United States was prepared to defend itself and its allies. We will use them if we must, but we prefer not to have to go in that direction,” she said, regarding the United States’ military forces. Haley, along with the President, have urged China to press North Korea’s government to give up the nuclear programme.
Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe has heavily criticised the missile launch – “This missile launch clearly shows that North Korea’s threat has increased.”
A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry has also condemned North Korea for the missile launch saying “We urge the North Korean side to stop taking actions that violate United Nations Security.”
Last week, President Trump and South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in had their first meeting together, during which they discussed North Korea and spoke of their opposition to the development of nuclear weapons.
Taking a break from Fourth of July celebrations, President Trump tweeted:
North Korea has just launched another missile. Does this guy have anything better to do with his life? Hard to believe that South Korea…..
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 4, 2017
….and Japan will put up with this much longer. Perhaps China will put a heavy move on North Korea and end this nonsense once and for all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 4, 2017
The irony of Trump encouraging Kim to use his time more wisely will not be lost on his critics.
Writer and comedian Dave Weasel pointed out that Trump was spending the Fourth of July celebrations at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, when he mocked Kim.
Taunting a foreign dictator with his finger on the missiles from your twitter account on a golf course. Real presidential.
— Dave Weasel (@DaveWeasel) July 4, 2017
