Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned Thursday that US forces are ready to “fight tonight,” in response to the resumption of North Korean impact drills between the United States and South Korea.
U.S. and South Korean forces have resumed military exercises after pausing exercises more than a year ago over coronavirus concerns.
“Our force remains ready to ‘fight tonight’ and we continue to move toward the eventual transition from wartime Operational Control to a [Republic of Korea]-committed, future Combined Forces Command, ”Austin said.
“Although the fulfillment of all the conditions for this transition will take more time, I am sure that this process will strengthen our alliance,” continued the Secretary of Defense.
Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Japan on Monday for a four-day trip designed to reiterate the United States’ commitment to allies in the region.
Washington-led diplomatic efforts focused on denuclearization of North Korea have been stalled by disputes over sanctions. Experts are weighing a possible compromise that would freeze the dictatorship’s nuclear activities in exchange for easing sanctions.
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“We are committed to the denuclearization of North Korea, reducing the broader threat that the DPRK poses to the United States and our allies, and improving the lives of all Koreans, including the North Korean people, who continue to suffer widespread abuse and systematic in the hands of his repressive government, “Austin said at Thursday’s press conference.
The North Korean leader’s sister, Kim Jong Un, rebuked the Biden government earlier this week while criticizing the war exercises, which Pyongyang sees as a rehearsal of invasion.
“We take this opportunity to warn the new US administration that is striving to spread the smell of gunpowder on our land,” Kim Yo Jong said in a statement to the state news agency KCNA. “If you want to sleep peacefully for the next four years, you better refrain from causing a stench in the first step.”
Some experts believe that the Hermit Kingdom will step up its missile tests as a negotiating tactic. The country’s dwindling economy has been recovering from recent natural disasters and pandemic-related border restrictions that have affected trade.
With cable poles