US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson reiterated that a tough military response against North Korea remains an option if diplomatic efforts fail in an interview with CNN on Friday.
Asked about threats by President Donald Trump that he had a bigger and more powerful “nuclear button” than any of the weapons possessed by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Tillerson said North Korea only understood this type of rhetoric.
Trump was clear that this was not his first choice, but “it is important that the North Koreans and every regional player understand how high the risks are, while trying to ensure that our diplomatic efforts are fully supported,” he said.
Tillerson said the diplomatic efforts were successful, with three UN Security Council resolutions banning North Korea from exporting high-yield products and stifling access to energy supplies. The aim was to reach a “fully nuclear-free Korean peninsula” “He said.
“The talks can achieve positive results for regional security as a whole and for North Korea itself,” he said, adding that Pyongyang could chart a path for a more secure and prosperous future for its people.
He added that how the inter-Korean talks had not begun yet, but there was a clear need for a signal from the North Koreans that the talks should lead to that goal. “If they do not do so and continue their missile and nuclear tests, they must understand that the sanctions imposed on them Will continue and will not be reduced. “
