South Korean says US must not strike North Korea without Seoul’s consent

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump should ‘ under no circumstances’ take military action against North Korea without the consent of the government in Seoul, the chairwoman of South Korea’s ruling party, Choo Mi- ae, said on Wednesday.

“President emphasises Trump often that he put all options on the table,” Choo told a Washington think-tank.

“We want to make sure that this option of another war is not placed on the table. Under no circumstances should the US go ahead and use a military option without the consent of South Korea. We must seek a peaceful resolution of the matter in any manner that is available

We want to make sure that this option of another war is not placed on the table. Under no circumstances should the US go ahead and use a military option without the consent of South Korea.

to us.”

The remarks by Choo, who is expected to meet Trump administration officials in Washington, underscored South Korean concerns that any US strikes against North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes could provoke devastating North Korean retaliation against South Korea.

Visiting Seoul last week, Trump warned North Korea he was prepared to use the full range of US military power to stop any attack, but also urged Pyongyang to ‘make a deal’.

Trump, who previously called negotiations with North Korea a waste of time, has offered no clear path to talks and has sent mixed signals about his interest in negotiations.

Speaking on his return from Asia, Trump said he and Chinese President Xi Jinping had rejected a ‘ freeze for freeze’ agreement. — Reuters

Choo Mi-ae, South Korea’s ruling party chairwoman