LISTEN NOW! (Or WATCH FULL PROGRAM!) As the President continues his 5 country tour in Asia, he makes a stop in South Korea to strengthen the bond of our alliance with South Korea, and to use this opportunity to address the growing concern of a nuclear North Korea. As the President of South Korea, Moon Jae-in, expresses, the President’s highlights the first state visit from a U.S. President in 25 years. Both President Trump and President Moon had high remarks to share with one another.
President Moon was quick to address how their conversations were tackling the topic of North Korea. “Moreover, we agreed to work towards resolving a North Korean nuclear issue in a peaceful manner and bringing permanent peace to the Korean Peninsula.” President Moon continues, “Against escalating nuclear and missile threats from North Korea, we reaffirmed our principle that we must maintain a strong stance toward North Korean threats based on overwhelming superiority of power.” It is deeply encouraging to see President Trump taking these actions to demonstrate the high priority of responding to North Korea and his allegiance to defending countries like South Korea during this time.
President Moon addressed how their allegiance with one another will have an influence military troops in the region. “In this regard, President Trump and I agreed to expend rotational deployment of U.S. strategic assets in and around Korean Peninsula. We will step up our collaboration to enhance Korea’s self-defense capability to unprecedented levels.” Not only will there be a change to the military presence, but some of the previous limitations placed upon South Korea will be removed as well. “To this end, we reached a conclusion today to lift the payload limit on Korean missiles completely, with a final agreement”, President Moon added.
Presently, North Korea finds itself in a precarious situation. But, if they were to suspend their forward progress of their nuclear program, there can be hope in their future. President Moon expressed these words, “should North Korea choose to make the right choice, we also reaffirmed our view that we are willing to offer North Korea a bright future. Based on such common approach between our two countries, we will continue to lead efforts to bring peaceful and fundamental solutions to North Korean nuclear issues.” History will be the indicator as to how President Trump’s visit to the region and South Korea effected the volatile reality of North Korea.
As President Trump replied with his remarks, he shared the same sentiments regarding the allegiance with South Korea and the urgency to respond to North Korea. “The Republic of Korea is more than a longstanding ally of the United States. We are partners and friends who have fought side-by-side in a war, and, really, worked very hard and prospered toward a great and lasting peace.” It is considering this ‘longstanding’ relationship that President Trump underscores the necessity to relieve the tensions with North Korea. “We cannot allow North Korea to threaten all that we have built…Our alliance is more important than ever to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and across the Indo-Pacific region.”
The President fully understands that North Korea’s continual rebellious missile launches are not only a threat to the region, but to the entire world. As the President expresses his thoughts on the North Korean regime; “We will together confront North Korea’s actions and prevent the North Korean dictator from threatening millions of innocent lives. He is indeed threatening millions and millions of lives so needlessly. North Korea is a worldwide threat that requires worldwide action.” As the President points out, the need for assistance not only comes from countries like South Korea and Japan, but also other countries in the region like China and Russia. President Trump clearly states, “All nations must implement U.N. Security Council regulations and cease trade and business entirely with North Korea. It is unacceptable that nations would help to arm and finance this increasingly dangerous regime.”
It cannot be understated the importance of recognizing the possibility that the United States could soon find itself at war in this region. It is deeply encouraging to see President Trump taking the conversation to the region and not simply resorting to a phone call. This matter requires much wisdom and prayer. Continue to pray for the President as he concludes the remainder of this 5 country Asian trip and responds to the matters involving North Korea, and so much more. Also shared in this segment: trade agreements, bonds with allies, President of South Korea Moon Jae-in, North Korea, missile payload capabilities, nuclear missile launches, Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, The Trump Administration, and hope. John and Steve shared in this segment.
screen capture from youtube.com/The White House