With its latest provocative missile tests, North Korea is playing a dangerous game in one of the world's most volatile regions. Yesterday’s launch came despite warnings from the international community and in direct violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions, and the United States will be working closely with our regional partners, as well as the other members of the Security Council to fashion a response. There is concern among observers of the DPRK, that the Pyongyang government will be tempted to increase the regional tension even further by testing a nuclear device – this must be stopped.
Nuclear proliferation and the danger of a nuclear terrorist incident remain the greatest national security threats we face. Over the past four years, the Obama Administration has made great strides with nonproliferation – increasing pressure on Iran, and working with the international community to reduce stockpiles of nuclear weapons and material. We must continue this proactive drive, and prevent more rogue nations and actors from increasing worldwide nuclear tensions and risks.
Nuclear proliferation and the danger of a nuclear terrorist incident remain the greatest national security threats we face. Over the past four years, the Obama Administration has made great strides with nonproliferation – increasing pressure on Iran, and working with the international community to reduce stockpiles of nuclear weapons and material. We must continue this proactive drive, and prevent more rogue nations and actors from increasing worldwide nuclear tensions and risks.