Japanese media reports US commander’s remarks
“The three countries should cooperate further against the threat of North Korea.”
Korean, U.S., and Japanese warships participating in anti-submarine warfare exercises in the East Sea open waters conduct maneuver exercises on the morning of Oct. 30. (Provided by the South Korean Navy)//The Hankyoreh Shimbun
It was reported that the United States is considering expanding military exercises with South Korea and Japan after North Korea launched a series of ballistic missiles.
The Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported on June 2 that US Pacific Air Force Commander Kenneth Willsback said that expanding military exercises between South Korea, the US, and Japan would be an option for countermeasures (against North Korea). Commander Samuel Paparo, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, also argued that the three nations must work together more to counter threats.Regarding the possibility of expanding military exercises between South Korea, the United States, and Japan, the newspaper said, “In anticipation of the possibility of North Korea’s nuclear test, we will hurry to strengthen deterrence.”
South Korea, the United States, and Japan are wary of the possibility of North Korea’s seventh nuclear test. The newspaper analyzed, quoting a US official, “China is under pressure (not to conduct a nuclear test) until the end of the Communist Party Congress, which starts on the 16th.” The paper added that “the pressure could ease after the Communist Party Congress, and “if Kim Jong-un decides the situation is ready, it is highly likely that the nuclear test will be carried out”.” .
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service also predicted that if North Korea were to carry out its seventh nuclear test, it would most likely take place after the 16th of this month after the Communist Party of China Congress and between the 7th of next month for the US midterm elections.
North Korea has launched four missiles over the past week, including two ballistic missiles aimed at the East Sea on the 1st. North Korea has launched 20 ballistic missiles and two cruise missiles this year. South Korea, the United States, and Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) conducted joint anti-submarine training on the 30th of last month in the East Sea high seas for the first time in five years since April 2017.
Tokyo/Correspondent Kim So-yeon (contact japan@hani.co.kr)
Translation MS