Mike Pence warns North Korea of an end to an ‘era of strategic patience’

While visiting the demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating North and South Korea, Vice President Mike Pence reaffirmed support for the ally to the South and said America is done with the failed “era of strategic patience.” with the enemies in North Korea.

“We’re going to abandon the failed policy of strategic patience. But we’re going to redouble our efforts to bring diplomatic and economic pressure to bear on North Korea. Our hope is that we can resolve this issue peaceably,” Pence said in an interview posted by CNN.

“I know the President was heartened by his discussions with President Xi (Jinping). We’ve seen China begin to take some actions to bring pressure on North Korea but there needs to be more,” Pence said.

Image/CIA

Speaking alongside South Korea’s acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn later, he said North Korea had conducted nuclear and missile tests as the previous US administration had observed a policy of “strategic patience,” but this was now over.

He reiterated US support for South Korea, telling his host: “We are with you 100%”

Hours earlier, North Korea carried out a failed missile launch. North Korean regime began its nuclear program in earnest during the Clinton administration. The Bush administration tried global pressure with the so-called “six party talks,” but those failed too, and North Korea launched its first nuclear test in 2006.

Some estimates are that North Korea may have the capability to launch a missile that could hit the continental US by the year 2020.

“I know the President of the United States has no higher priority than the safety and security of the American people,” Pence, addressing the potential threat.

“The presence of US forces here in South Korea are a long-standing commitment to the Asia Pacific. And insuring the security of the continental US will be a priority in this administration…

“Look, we want to be clear: our hope and frankly our prayer is that by marshaling the resources of nations across the Asian Pacific — not just South Korea, Japan, other allies — and China bringing renewed pressure to bear,” he said.

For the vice president, this first trip to the Korean Peninsula is an emotional one. His father, 2nd Lt. Edward J. Pence, Jr., US Army, was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in the Korean War.

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Butter Bracco - Roxanne "Butter" Bracco began with the Dispatch as Pittsburgh Correspondent, but will be providing reports and insights from Washington DC, Maryland and the surrounding region. Contact Roxie aka "Butter" at [email protected] ATTN: Roxie or Butter Bracco