In a speech delivered from the Rose Garden at the White House, President Donald Trump made it clear he no longer has any patience with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un’s regime, and he’s ready to take action to see it come to an end.
For now, that action will be strengthened sanctions, which was a somewhat unexpected move given South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s stated desire to use economic cooperation as a carrot to lure in the Hermit Kingdom. Moon was standing at Trump’s side Friday when the president made the announcement during a joint appearance following a series of meetings at the White House between the two leaders and their diplomatic teams.
“The alliance between the United States and South Korea is a cornerstone of peace and security in a very, very dangerous part of the world,” he said. “The link between our countries cemented in battle is now also tied together by culture, commerce, and common values.
“Together, we are facing the threat of the reckless and brutal regime in North Korea. The nuclear and ballistic missile programs of that regime require a determined response. The North Korean dictatorship has no regard for the safety and security of its people or its neighbors, and has no respect for human life—and that’s been proven over and over again.
“Millions of North Korea’s own citizens have suffered and starved to death, and the entire world just witnessed what the regime did to our wonderful Otto Warmbier. I thanked President Moon for expressing his condolences on the travesty of Otto’s death. Our thoughts and our prayers remain with his wonderful family.
“The era of strategic patience with the North Korean regime has failed for many years. It’s failed and frankly that patience is over. We are working closely with South Korea and Japan, as well as partners around the world on a range of diplomatic security and economic measures to protect our allies and our own citizens from this menace known as North Korea.
“The United States calls on other regional powers and all responsible nations to join us in implementing sanctions and demanding that the North Korean regime choose a better path—and do it quickly—and different future for its long-suffering people. Our goal is peace and prosperity for the region, but the United States will defend itself always, and we will always defend our allies.”
You can see the full event in the video clip above. {eoa}
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