President Donald J. Trump warned North Korean leader Kim Jong Un against underestimating the U.S. and South Korea’s resolve during a speech in Seoul. He highlighted North Korea’s defiance of previous agreements regarding nuclear armament and called for international cooperation to isolate the regime. Trump underscored the contrasting success of South Korea and the urgent need for a diplomatic solution focused on denuclearization.
On November 7, 2017, President Donald J. Trump issued a stern warning to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, emphasizing that he should not underestimate the United States and South Korea’s resolve. Speaking before the South Korean National Assembly in Seoul, Trump called for North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons, highlighting the nation’s continued defiance of previous agreements with the U.S. and its allies.
Trump recounted historical commitments made by North Korea, including a 1994 promise to freeze its plutonium program, which was never honored. He noted that repeated diplomatic efforts had failed to prevent North Korea from pursuing its nuclear ambitions, including the sinking of a South Korean ship in response to negotiations in 2009. “To this day, it continues to launch missiles over the sovereign territory of Japan and all other neighbors,” Trump remarked, indicating the ongoing threat posed by North Korea.
The President articulated that North Korea’s view of American restraint as weakness is a dangerous miscalculation, emphasizing the importance of unity among free nations. He proclaimed that the 38th parallel symbolizes a crucial divide between peace and conflict. Trump pledged that the United States will defend its allies and uphold their security, stating, “America does not seek conflict or confrontation. But we will never run from it.”
Highlighting the need for international cooperation, Trump appealed to Russia and China to help isolate North Korea through adherence to U.N. Security Council resolutions. He reiterated the urgency for a coordinated approach, declaring, “It is our responsibility and our duty to confront this danger together.”
Addressing Kim Jong Un directly, Trump pointed out that North Korea’s advanced weaponry endangers the regime itself. He urged an end to the regime’s aggressive pursuits and outlined a path toward a better future for the North Korean people, emphasizing the need for total denuclearization. Furthermore, Trump contrasted North Korea’s oppressive environment with South Korea’s growth into a prosperous and respectful nation, noting that South Korea exemplifies a pathway to success through hard work and perseverance.
In his address, President Trump reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting South Korea against North Korean aggression, underscoring the necessity of international cooperation in addressing the nuclear threat. His remarks conveyed a clear message to Kim Jong Un, emphasizing the potential perils of continued nuclear escalation. Trump’s statements also highlighted the stark contrast between the achievements of South Korea and the ongoing struggles faced by North Korea, advocating for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
Original Source: www.pacom.mil
