Herbert Raymond McMaster, the National Security advisor to the President, has stated that military options will be analysed in the Republican’s upcoming meeting with South Korean leaders.
He said: “It would be irresponsible not to talk about the potential for military efforts within the alliance.
“The reason why that topic must be on the agenda is because of the behaviour of this rogue regime and the threat that Kim Jong-un poses.
“The discussion will also be about what more can we do, what more can all countries do to resolve this short of war.
“What we think is essential is to continue the diplomatic and economic isolation of the North Korean regime so that leaders within that regime recognise that this weapon, this pursuit of this destructive capability, is not making them more secure, it’s making them less secure, and to conclude that it is in their interest to begin denuclearisation.”
Despite the threats of military action that could lead to World War 3, Mr McMaster said that diplomacy is the US’ first choice in dealing with the rogue nation.
He added: “Diplomacy is our main effort now.
“But it’s diplomacy with other countries who recognise the grave threat and who are working together.”
The advisor stated that a fundamental method of denuclearising the hermit kingdom will come from other nations imposing sanctions on the country to limit the resources available to continue with a dangerous nuclear programme.
Mr McMaster targeted China, the country responsible for 90 per cent of North Korean trade, to dissolve its long-standing feud with South Korea over the erection of a US Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system.
The advisor went on: “What’s important is that China is no longer punishing South Korea for defending itself, which I always thought didn’t make any sense.
“What China may be realising as well is that it makes more sense, at least from our perspective, to prioritise its relationship with South Korea over its relationship with North Korea, which is not only a dangerous state but a failing state at the same time.”
Donald Trump will begin his tour of Asia on Sunday where he will visit Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.
On November 7 Trump will meet the South Korean President Moon Jae-in as well as American and South Korean servicemen.
The White House said: “The President will speak at the National Assembly, where he will celebrate the enduring alliance and friendship between the United States and the Republic of Korea, and call on the international community to join together in maximising pressure on North Korea.”