US Defense Secretary Mark Esper yesterday warned that North Korea is trying to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) following its possession of nuclear weapons, which is a direct threat to the United States.

In a speech held by the American Foreign Association (CFR) in New York on the subject of "China-Russia-US Relations," Mr. Spurs showed North Korea's move to test launch an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and progressed its nuclear program. In this regard,

He said Kim Jong-un thought that the leadership of President Donald Trump, who had reached out to North Korea, helped make North Korea go the other way.

But he said North Korea is still training and testing short-range ballistic missiles. "The only way forward is through diplomatic and political agreements, so the State Department is working hard to bring them back to the negotiation table."

He stressed that "war on the Korean peninsula will be terrible," but "nobody wants to see it."

"We think we will be tested soon," he said. "It is hopeful that we will be trying to get North Korea back to the negotiating table instead of going the other way."

Mr. Esper suspended large-scale military exercises between the United States and the United States, but when asked about concerns about North Korea's continued missile tests, "We are still highly prepared," he said. Is there. "

Mr. Esper emphasized competition with China and Russia in addressing threats from China, Russia and elsewhere, and he named Iran and North Korea, "We should also be concerned about these rogue threats." I did. "

(Photo = Getty Images Korea)