North Korea ‘ready for any mode of war’
AMERICAN preparations for invading North Korea have reached “a serious phase of its scenario” with the sending of a US nuclear carrier task group to waters off the Korean Peninsula, the North Korean government said.
The dispatch of the USS Carl Vinson task group “all of a sudden” proves that Washington’s “reckless moves of invading (North Korea)” are serious, announced a spokesman for the North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“If the US dares opt for a military action, crying out for ‘pre-emptive attack’ and ‘removal of the headquarters’, (North Korea) is ready to react to any mode of war desired by the US,” said the spokesman.
“The prevailing grave situation proves once again that (North Korea) was entirely justified for increasing in every way its military capabilities for self-defence with pre-emptive attack with a nuclear force as a pivot.
“The Trump administration is foolish enough to deploy strategic striking forces one after another in South Korea, trumpeting about ‘peace by force of arms’, but (North Korea) remains unfazed.
“We never beg for peace but we will take the toughest counteraction against the provocateurs in order to defend ourselves... and keep to the road chosen by ourselves.”
Yesterday, North Korean state media warned of a nuclear attack on the US at any sign of American aggression.
US President Donald Trump, who has urged China to do more to rein in its impoverished neighbour, said in a tweet North Korea was “looking for trouble” and the US would “solve the problem” with or without China’s help.
Tension has escalated sharply on the Korean peninsula with talk of military action by the US after its strikes last week against Syria and amid concerns the North may soon conduct a sixth nuclear test.
North Korea’s official Rodong Sinmun newspaper said the country was prepared to respond to any aggression by the US.
“Our revolutionary strong army is keenly watching every move by enemy elements, with our nuclear sight focused on the US invasionary bases not only in South Korea and the Pacific operation theatre but also in the US mainland.”
South Korean acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn warned of “greater provocations” by North Korea, and ordered the military to intensify monitoring and ensure close communication with the US.
“It is possible the north may wage greater provocations, such as a nuclear test timed with various anniversaries, including the Supreme People’s Assembly,” said Hwang.
Trump said in a tweet a trade deal between China and the US would be “far better for them if they solved the North Korea problem”. “If China decides to help, that would be great,” he said. – Xinhua and Reuters