US, Asia seek counter to ‘menace’
HAMBURG: Wrapping up his second European tour, President Donald Trump searched for consensus with Asian allies Saturday on how to counter the “menace” of North Korea after its test-launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile.
“Something has to be done about it,” Mr Trump said as he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. In a separate meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Mr Trump said the two were tackling “the problem and menace of North Korea”.
The White House said after the meeting with Mr Abe that the US was “prepared to use the full range of capabilities” in defence of Japan. Mr Trump and Mr Abe committed, the White House said, “to redoubling their efforts to bring all nations together to show North Korea that there are consequences for its threatening and unlawful actions”.
The Trump administration has tried to press Beijing to rein in North Korea, a major trading partner of China, and halt Kim Jong-un’s development of nuclear weapons before they can threaten US territory. Mr Trump has voiced his frustration in recent days that China hasn’t done more, suggesting he may take steps of his own.
But during his meeting, Mr Trump told Mr Xi: “I appreciate the things that you have done relative to the very substantial problem that we all face in North Korea.”
Mr Xi said “sensitive issues remain” in the China-US relationship and more work needed to be done. But he said he had built with Mr Trump a “close contact”.
Mr Abe, speaking through a translator, noted that the security situation in the Asia Pacific region has become “increasingly severe” due to North Korea’s push to develop its ballistic missile and nuclear programme. Mr Abe said he wanted to “demonstrate the robust partnership as well as the bonds” between Japan and the US on the issue.
North Korea’s successful test launch of an ICBM was a milestone in its long-term effort to build a missile that could carry a nuclear warhead to attack the US.
The issue was a frequent topic of discussion at the G20 summit, and the White House said earlier that the US, South Korea and Japan were pressing for additional measures against North Korea to
demonstrate the “serious consequences” for its latest provocations.
The three nations have been calling for “early adoption” of a new UN Security Council resolution and additional sanctions to demonstrate to Pyongyang the consequences of its actions.
Bringing China on board is a key part of the plan. The administration wants China to fully enforce international sanctions intended to starve Pyongyang of revenue for its nuclear and missile programmes. But Mr Trump has been dissatisfied with China’s response.
Trade was also a key part of the discussions. The Trump administration is investigating the possibility of putting new barriers on steel imports based on national security considerations, a move that could target China, which has flooded international markets with cheap steel exports.