North Korea remains a top threat despite diplomatic thaw, U.S. commanders say

The chief of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Navy Adm. Philip Davidson, testified North Korea “remains the most immediate challenge.” Credit: Carolyn Kaster, AP Photo

North Korea remains a top threat to the U.S. despite a recent thaw in diplomatic relations, the commanders of U.S. forces in the Pacific and on the Korean Peninsula told the Senate Armed Services Committee Tuesday.

The commander of U.S. Forces Korea, Army Gen. Robert Abrams, noted a “significant reduction in tension” compared to the recent history of missile and nuclear tests by North Korea. But the four-star general cautioned the regime’s annual military exercises hadn’t changed in size, scope or timing.

“I remain clear-eyed about the fact that, despite a reduction in tensions along the DMZ and a cessation of strategic provocations coupled with public statements of intent to denuclearize, little to no verifiable change has occurred in North Korea’s military capabilities,” Abrams told senators.

View the complete February 12 article by Connor O’Brien on the Politico website here.