North Korea's continued development of weapons poses threat to US and allies: Kirby
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby speaks during a media briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, in this, Feb. 17 file photo. Kirby announced late Thursday, that the U.S. military conducted airstrikes against facilities in eastern Syria that the Pentagon said were used by Iran-backed militia groups, in response to recent attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq. Kirby said the action was authorized by President Joe Biden. AP-Yonhap
Diplomacy will be at the center for engagement with North Korea but Pyongyang's continued development of weapons of mass destruction does pose a threat to the United States and its allies, a spokesman for the U.S. Defense Department said Friday.
John Kirby also said the U.S. will continue to maintain and develop its joint defense posture with South Korea.
"The president has been very clear that he wants diplomats in the lead and we are supportive of that here at the Defense Department," Kirby told a press briefing.
"But North Korea's continued development of ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction represents a threat to U.S. interest and security of our allies and partners," he added.
The Biden administration is undertaking a review of its "entire" North Korea policy that it says will lead to a new approach toward the North.
Kirby said the Defense Department will fully support the anticipated "new approach," adding, "We will have a voice in that and we will take that very seriously."
His remarks come amid concerns that the U.S. and South Korea may again reduce or even postpone their scheduled joint military exercises, currently set to be held next month.
Seoul's top presidential security adviser, Suh Hoon, has insisted that the drill should be reduced in size and scale due to the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that the simulated command post training will not involve any actual troops or equipment in the field.
The regular spring exercise was indefinitely postponed last year, while the allies also had to scale back their summertime exercise due to the pandemic.
Still, many believe the North's recent objections may have had an impact on Seoul's stance.
In a recently concluded major party meeting, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said his country will link inter-Korean dialogue and reconciliation to the joint military exercises by the U.S. and the South arguing that they represent their hostility toward Pyongyang.
President Moon Jae-in said earlier that he may consult with Pyongyang about the military drills in advance if necessary.
Kirby reiterated the need to continue maintaining the allies' joint defense capabilities.
"In the near time, we are going to work in close coordination with our allies and partners to seek to deter negative behavior from North Korea," Kirby said.
"That also means that working closely with our South Korean ally on making sure that our two militaries have the capability and readiness to defend our interests on the peninsula," he added. (Yonhap)