Tillerson: The Security Council Should Act Against North Korea Before an Attack

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson stated on Friday, April 27, that the threat of an attack from Pyongyang against Japan and South Korea is real and called for action from the United Nations Security Council "before North Korea takes such action." According to Reuters, Tillerson, who was present at the UN Security Council, urged the international community to fully implement UN sanctions and suspend diplomatic relations with Pyongyang. He addressed the 15 members of the council, saying, "With every explosion and successful missile test by North Korea, Southeast Asia and the world are pushed towards instability and broader conflict." Tillerson noted that "the threat of a North Korean attack on Seoul and Tokyo is real." The Associated Press also reported Tillerson's remarks, quoting him as saying that it is essential for the global community to intensify North Korea's financial isolation. He called for new sanctions against institutions and individuals involved in North Korea's missile and nuclear programs and for the strengthening of existing sanctions. Tillerson emphasized that the United States is not hesitant to impose sanctions on other countries that support North Korea's illegal activities. The United States had also announced on Wednesday that it would impose stricter sanctions on North Korea to compel it to resume talks regarding its nuclear program. Earlier, President Donald Trump had emphasized in a meeting with representatives of UN Security Council member countries that the council should prepare for new sanctions against North Korea. Meanwhile, China's Foreign Minister stated that the Korean Peninsula is "in a very tense situation and sensitive position." Wang Yi urged the international community to simultaneously work towards denuclearizing the region while also maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. He added that "what is important today is the resumption of negotiations," even if initially only limited parties are involved. According to the Chinese Foreign Minister, the ultimate goal should be the resumption of multilateral talks known as the six-party talks. He reiterated China's proposal that North Korea suspend its missile and nuclear tests in exchange for a halt to U.S. and South Korean military exercises. The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister also called on North Korea to refrain from expanding its nuclear and missile programs, while warning that the use of force against Pyongyang is "completely unacceptable." According to Reuters, Gennady Gatilov stated, "The aggressive approach combined with reckless displays of power has created a situation where the entire world is seriously concerned about whether a war is about to occur or not." He added that "any hostile step or mistake could have terrifying and tragic consequences." North Korea has conducted a series of missile tests this month, provoking anger from the U.S. and Washington's regional allies. President Trump stated that all options are on the table in response to Pyongyang's actions. In recent days, joint military exercises between Washington and Seoul have heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, and the United States has simultaneously deployed the THAAD missile system to South Korea to counter potential North Korean actions. Although the U.S. and South Korea insist that this system is used to counter North Korean threats, China is concerned that the powerful radar of the THAAD system could monitor areas within China and "disrupt the military balance in the region."