US Joint Chiefs Chairman: "High Possibility of North Korea Provocation"

"Nuclear and Missile Capabilities Have Advanced"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Mark Milley, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated that North Korea has continued to develop its nuclear and missile capabilities and is likely to engage in provocations. He warned of the possibility of North Korean provocations continuing during the U.S. administration transition period.

Milley made these remarks on the 2nd (local time) during an interview with the Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank.

Milley said, "North Korea faces a wide range of internal challenges," and after asking himself, "Do I expect North Korea to provoke at some point in the future?" he answered, "It is very likely."

He added, "That means they have a long history of doing such things." This appears to refer to North Korea's past pattern of conducting missile launch tests and other military provocations during U.S. administration transitions or early stages of new administrations.

Milley stated, "We are closely monitoring the situation regarding North Korea as we always have," and "We have the appropriate military capabilities to respond to whatever happens."

He also mentioned, "I am very confident in our military capabilities to deter North Korean provocations or attacks," emphasizing the South Korea-U.S. alliance.

Milley evaluated, "We have 28,500 troops with significant capabilities stationed in South Korea (U.S. Forces Korea). The South Korean military is also one of the finest militaries in the world."