Kerry Says United Front in Far East Oppose Nuclear North Korea
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PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Images(TOKYO) — Secretary of State John Kerry wrapped his whirlwind tour of the Far East Sunday in Japan, where he reiterated the Obama administration’s condemnation of North Korea’s provocative actions.
With Pyongyang supposedly preparing for a test launch of a mid-range missile at any time, Kerry received assurances from Japanese, Chinese and South Korea leaders that they all oppose the nuclearization of North Korea.
At a press briefing in Tokyo, Kerry told reporters, “The North has to understand, and I believe must by now, that its threats and its provocations are only going to isolate it further and impoverish its people even further.”
Should Pyongyang want to talk out their concerns rather than continue flaunting its military might, Kerry said, “There is a clear course of action that they are invited to take and they will find in us ready partners to negotiate in good faith to resolve this issue.”
Meanwhile, the White House expects the missile launch at any time and is prepared to knock it out of the sky if the rocket appears to be targeting something specific, although the U.S. believes it will wind up landing harmlessly in the Sea of Japan.
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