The U.S. Navy dispatched the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Carl Vinson to waters off the Korean Peninsula on April 8 in a bid to strongly warn Pyongyang against developing nuclear weapons and missiles.
The move is aimed partly at stepping up its military pressure in an attempt to urge China to exercise its influence on Pyongyang to abandon its provocative acts. However, it remains to be seen how far Washington intends to unilaterally take its tough stance against Pyongyang.
Japan hopes the United States will join hands with China in intensifying pressure on North Korea. At the same time, however, Tokyo fears that the situation on the Korean Peninsula could excessively heighten, potentially leading to an unexpected contingency.
U.S. National Security Adviser Herbert Raymond McMaster emphasized in a FOX TV program on April 9 that the administration of President Donald Trump will use U.S. military might to confront the North Korean regime of Kim Jong Un. He added the United States is dealing with a rouge state that has nuclear capabilities.
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