USA: 'Other' Options Regarding North Korea Are on the Table

Reports indicate the possibility of new military tests by North Korea; the United States has warned Pyongyang that it may consider 'other' options against it. The South Korean state news agency, Yonhap, previously reported that North Korea is likely preparing to test a medium-range ballistic missile. Some media outlets and analysts in South Korea have even suggested the possibility of a fifth nuclear test by Pyongyang, which may occur on the eve of the Workers' Party congress. Mark Toner, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, on May 7, urged North Korea to refrain from actions that could destabilize the region, stating that if this does not happen, Washington will turn to 'other' options. Mr. Toner referenced previous actions against the North Korean regime, such as increased sanctions and other security responses, but did not specify what other options might be. Toner stated, 'I think it is clear that North Korea will make decisions that, from our perspective, are not constructive, and will repeatedly compel us to consider other actions in response.' The State Department spokesperson, in response to a question about potential options, said they would not be discussed until they are fully formed and prepared. Meanwhile, Barack Obama, the President of the United States, emphasized in an interview with CBS that Washington is adjusting and changing its missile defense system to defend its citizens and allies in the region. Mr. Obama stated, 'Our top priority is the defense of the American people and our allies, South Korea and Japan.' He added, 'One of the things we are doing is spending a lot of time adjusting and changing the missile defense system, which aims to counter threats while efforts are made to resolve the North Korean nuclear development issue; threats that are still at a relatively low level.' China, a key ally of Pyongyang, while agreeing to recent extensive sanctions against North Korea in the Security Council, simultaneously criticizes the development of U.S. missile defense systems. The U.S. has also not expressed concern over China's military development in East Asia. Three days ago, the North Korean Foreign Minister told the U.S., 'Stop your nuclear war exercises on the Korean Peninsula, and we will also stop our nuclear tests.' The U.S. President, in response to this 'offer,' stated that these remarks are 'not serious,' but if Pyongyang shows 'seriousness' about denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula, Washington will also engage in negotiations.