Our sword is ready for you, US warns Kim
‘An overwhelming American response’
US VICE-President Mike Pence threatened North Korea’s warmongering leader yesterday, warning that he would face an ‘overwhelming’ response to any military action.
Speaking from the deck of a US aircraft carrier in Japan, Mr Pence urged Kim Jong-un not to test America’s resolve, saying that its ‘shield stands guard and the sword stands ready’.
But it came as North Korea shows no sign of backing down, with footage emerging of an anti-America musical extravaganza attended by its leader on Sunday that featured a mock-up video of its missiles engulfing the US.
However, while North Korea’s ally China expressed concern at its nuclear programme and the rising tension in the region, Mr Pence stressed the US would continue to ‘work diligently’ with international powers to apply economic and diplomatic pressure on Pyongyang.
‘The United States of America will always seek peace – but under President Trump, the shield stands guard and the sword stands ready,’ Mr Pence told military personnel. ‘Those who would challenge our resolve or readiness should know: we will defeat any attack and meet any use of conventional or nuclear weapons with an overwhelming and effective American response.’
His message was echoed by US defence secretary James Mattis, during a visit to the Middle East, who warned that North Korea’s weekend missile launch – which exploded seconds after being fired – was a reckless act of provocation.
While US officials claim the Scud-type missile would not have been capable of reaching American soil, North Korea said it will continue to test-fire missiles and warned that it will launch a preemptive nuclear strike if it believes the US is planning to attack.
US efforts to rally allies against North Korea have been embarrassed by the revelation that a naval armada supposedly heading to the region is actually thousands of miles away.
The Carl Vinson aircraft carrier strike group had been heading in the opposite direction when the Trump administration said it was steaming towards the Korean peninsula.
It won’t arrive in the region until next week, which has infuriated many in South Korea who regard the US as its most important ally.