Trump approves South Korea military review ‘to boost defence against Kim Jong-un threat’
THE US will seek close consultation with South Korea to review military options in response to North Korea’s threats, the White House and Seoul have confirmed.
By SAM SHOLLI
Express.co.uk
Sat, Sep 2, 2017
The announcement comes after the brutal regime of young despot Kim Jong-un fired yet another missile on Tuesday which crossed Japan’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido in the boldest show of force from the DPRK in recent years.
President Trump agreed with South Korean President Moon Jae-in to revise a joint treaty capping the development of the South’s ballistic missiles, Seoul has confirmed.
According to the White House, during the conversation Trump also gave “conceptual” approval to the purchase by the South of billions of dollars of US military hardware.
A spokesperson from Prime Minister Moon’s office said: “The two leaders agreed to the principle of revising the missile guideline to a level desired by South Korea, sharing the view that it was necessary to strengthen South Korea’s defence capabilities in response to North Korea’s provocations and threats.”
US Pacific Command (PACOM) chief Admiral Harry Harris had made a similar promise during a meeting with South Korean Defence Minister Song Young-moo, as part of Mr Song’s five-day visit to the US.
The Ministry of National Defence said: “The US commander reaffirmed Washington’s ironclad commitment to defending South Korea in the face of North Korea’s threats.
“He said PACOM will closely consult with the South Korean government and the Joint Chiefs of Staff over all military options that can be considered.”
PACOM is in charge of commanding US forces’ military operations in the Asia-Pacific region, which includes the Korean Peninsula.
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