Tensions high in the Korean peninsula

Tension is brewing exponentially in the Korean peninsula. With North Korea's belligerence regarding the testing of possible nuclear armed missiles, President Donald Trump has sent a carrier battle group to the waters off South Korea. The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, along with three support ships that have an array of weapons, left Singapore on its way to the peninsula. Both countries have issued stern warnings and threats not to belittle their military capabilities. Just recently, during the "Day of the Sun" celebration, North Korea paraded many new weapons the world had not seen, nor were even aware the country had. The missiles are bigger and are believed to be capable of reaching far distances, maybe even the US mainland itself.

North Korea did test another ballistic missile, but with disastrous results. The missile exploded seconds after launching, I guess much to the relief of the Western world. But experts say that while they do not believe the North already has ballistic missiles with extended range and nuclear capability, it is not far from succeeding. The continued tests only prove that North Korea's nuclear ballistic missile development is in full swing, despite UN restrictions and existing sanctions.

Trump has actually been forced to approach China, a country he constantly lambasted during his campaign, specifically for trade issues. He recently hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping at his Mar-aLago estate, and possibly offered trade concessions in exchange for China reeling in its ally. North Korea relies heavily on China for a variety of needs. Needless to say, China profits from the North's dependence on them. Trump is hoping the Chinese can put pressure on North Korea to "behave", something the latter did not take well. In a recent speech at the UN, North Korea's ambassador had a fiery rhetoric against the US, accusing them as the ones fanning the fires of war.

The question is, should there be a shooting war between the US and North Korea, where would China stand, and likewise where would we stand? President Duterte has seen to it to be close to China, while at the same time lashing out at the US. The last time I looked, The Mutual Defense Treaty with the US is still in effect. That would require the country to support in whatever way, our allies in the Pacific in case of an onset of war or aggression. With Duterte leading the country, will that treaty be honored, or do we just stand in the sidelines? Or do we side with China and whoever it sides with?

Nobody wants a shooting war, especially at a time when weapons are far more developed and deadlier than in previous large conflicts. This may very well be a war of buttons. Trump is also approaching the North Korean problem very differently from his predecessor. His recent order to strike Syria shows he is not fazed by such actions. With North Korean leader Kim Jong Un being what he is, the peninsula may be the site of yet another costly conflict.

‘Nobody wants a shooting

war, especially at a time when weapons are far more developed and deadlier than in previous large conflicts. This may very well

be a war of buttons.’