© Kevin Lamarque / Reuters
On Sunday, President Trump again called Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe by telephone to reaffirm Washington's commitments to its allies in the region.
"President Trump reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to defending our homeland, territories, and allies using the full range of diplomatic, conventional, and nuclear capabilities at our disposal," the White House said in a statement.
Both leaders have condemned North Korea's nuclear test and called Pyongyang's behavior "destabilizing and provocative actions."
Trump has also "confirmed the two countries' ironclad mutual defense commitments, and pledged to continue close cooperation," the statement read.
In a series of tweets Sunday, Trump branded North Korea a "rogue nation and a threat." The latest development in Pyongyang's nuclear capabilities are "very hostile and dangerous to the United States," the US president said.
Following the tweets, Trump held a meeting with his chief of staff, Gen. John Kelly, and Defense Secretary James Mattis at the White House to discuss an appropriate response to the North Korean hydrogen bomb test.
Mattis later warned that any attack on the United States or its allies would be met with a "massive military response." He noted that while the US was not "looking for the total annihilation" of North Korea, it had "many options to do so."
"Any threat to the United States or its territories, including Guam or our allies, will be met with a massive military response - a response both effective and overwhelming," Mattis said.
Pyongyang has successfully tested a hydrogen bomb which can be mounted on an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), the country's state TV announced Sunday.
Just prior to conducting the six nuclear test, the North announced that it has all the indigenous technology and production capacity to carry out a super powerful Nuclear electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack, which, if exploded at a high altitude, could paralyze electronic systems infrastructure of any country. The US considers a potential EMP attack a real threat to the nation, capable of inflicting "catastrophic" damage.
Concerned over North Korean nuclear ambition, South Korean military has conducted a live-fire drill, simulating an attack on the North's nuclear site. The drills involved the country's Hyunmoo ballistic missile and the F-15K fighter jets.
Reader Comments
I recall a spokesman telling Alec Gibney that air-gapping provides only temporary protection. Eventually someone needs to update software or replace parts and that provides an opportunity. So it seems there is at least one alternative to mushroom clouds if we are willing to be patient.
There is also the usual basis to dispute resolution - negotiations - but USA has declined that for 70 years. What the West needs is a way of foiling NK's rocket and nuclear abilities without demeaning itself in eye-to-eye discussions on a level playing field. Shame we are so picky.
No country should be testing nuclear capable missiles and that includes the USA.
Never forget, N Korea has far less to lose and the USA is not invincible.
... he who pulls the trigger.