Mattis: Response to North Korean Military Action Will Be Severe

James Mattis, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, has warned that any military action involving nuclear weapons by North Korea will be met with an "effective" and "severe" response. James Mattis, during his first Asian trip to key U.S. allies in the eastern continent, South Korea and Japan, described one of the main goals of the trip as reassuring Seoul and Tokyo about U.S. commitments to defend them against Pyongyang. On February 4, in Seoul, Mattis stated, "Any attack against the United States or our allies will be defeated. And any use of nuclear weapons [by North Korea] will be met with an effective and overwhelming response." Since Kim Jong-un came to power, North Korea has increased its missile tests. Last year alone, the country conducted at least 20 missile tests and two nuclear tests. These tests are in violation of current UN sanctions that prohibit ballistic missile launches and the expansion of Pyongyang's nuclear military program. Mattis referred to these tests in Seoul: "North Korea continues to launch missiles and expand its nuclear weapons program and has engaged in threatening behaviors and rhetoric." Last year, Pyongyang threatened to take extensive military actions or conduct a preemptive nuclear strike against its neighboring countries and the United States. Despite these statements, there remain widespread doubts about North Korea's military capabilities. Additionally, the U.S. has reached agreements with South Korea to establish the advanced THAAD missile defense system during Barack Obama's presidency, with Secretary of Defense Donald Trump emphasizing the continuation of negotiations regarding it. China opposes this system, claiming its radars could be used to monitor and spy on Beijing, and that its establishment disrupts the balance in the region. Washington has rejected this, stating that the purpose of the missile shield is solely to defend the American people and its allies. The missile defense system also faces opposition within South Korea, including from opposition parties to the ruling conservative party, the Saenuri. The ruling party is currently under pressure due to the exposure of a large corruption scandal involving its ousted president, Park Geun-hye. Nevertheless, the return of Ban Ki-moon, the former UN Secretary-General to his hometown, and the possibilities regarding his candidacy in the elections may prevent the opposition from gaining power in the presidency. The South Korean Defense Minister emphasized on Friday that James Mattis's visit to the country - which is the first foreign trip of Trump's Secretary of Defense - carries a clear message that the U.S. continues its fundamental support for its allies. After South Korea, Mr. Mattis will travel to Japan. These two Asian countries alone host nearly 80,000 U.S. military personnel and several of the most important U.S. bases outside of the country.