Asia Is On Alert For A New Nuclear Or Missile Test By North Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (C) watches a long range rocket launch into the air in North Korea, in this photo released by Kyodo February 7, 2016. Mandatory credit REUTERS/Kyodo

USA Today: U.S. on alert for new nuclear or missile test by North Korea

TOKYO — Among the pressing issues facing President-elect Donald Trump when he takes office on Inauguration Day will be North Korea’s rogue nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs — and a crisis might not wait that long.

U.S. forces and allies in Japan and South Korea are on alert for a new missile launch after recent satellite imagery that showed what appeared to be potential preparations at North Korea’s Sohae launch facility.

North Korea has carried out two nuclear weapons tests and dozens of missile tests and launches this year in defiance of U.N. sanctions. Although not all the missile tests have been successful, the North has made significant advances in developing nuclear weapons and the technology needed to mount them to long-range missiles.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: The issue on what to do with North Korea will definitely be one of President-elect Trump's biggest challenges .... How is Trump going to handle North Korean nukes? (General Michael Hayden, USA Today). My guess is that a policy of containment will still be continued .... but a new policy (whatever that may be) must be found and pursued.

Update: Some are expecting a more aggressive policy from a President Trump when it comes to North Korea .... Former US Envoy: Don’t Expect Strategic Patience on N. Korea From Trump (VOA). More here .... Former U.S. officials expect tough North Korea policy under Trump (UPI).