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‘Super hawk’ in Trump’s diplomatic and security top tier
Rubio: If North Korea goes to war, the regime will end… Adjustment of US forces in Korea – also calls for increased contribution
Waltz: “We must crush North Korea’s neck with economic sanctions”… Expressions in favor of redeploying tactical nuclear weapons
“A preemptive strike against North Korea is a necessary option.”
Representative Michael Waltz, who is known to have been nominated by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to be the next White House national security adviser, said this during an appearance on Fox News in August 2017, when tensions between North Korea and the United States were increasing. When then-President-elect Trump said, “We are ready to attack (locked and loaded)” in response to North Korea’s threat of a strike drill at a U.S. base in Guam, Rep. Waltz argued that a preemptive strike may be inevitable. Preemptive strike means launching an attack first when a provocation, such as war, is judged to be imminent.
Senator Marco Rubio, who is known to have been nominated as Secretary of State, also took a hard line against North Korea. When President-elect Trump rejected the agreement at the second North Korea-US summit held in Hanoi, Vietnam in 2019, he said, “If North Korea’s other leaders want a better future, they must quickly remove the ‘tyrant’ Kim Jong-un.”
If this continues, the ultra-hardliners against North Korea who advocate preemptive strikes against North Korea and even ‘regime change’ will become the ‘top two’ who will lead the foreign and security policies of Trump’s second term. Accordingly, there are predictions that uncertainty in the situation on the Korean Peninsula may become greater than during the first Trump administration.
● Strengthening sanctions against North Korea, insisting on military options
The two lawmakers, Rubio and Waltz, are diplomatic experts with extensive experience in international issues. Since being
They have clearly expressed their skeptical views on North Korea’s denuclearization. Rep. Rubio criticized immediately after the ‘Hanoi No Deal’, saying, “Kim Jong-un made a show of dismantling the nuclear program.” At the first North Korea-US summit in 2018, Rep. Waltz said, “North Korea will take its time to complete its intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).”
The argument for strengthening economic sanctions against North Korea and maintaining military options is also similar. Representative Rubio said, “The best way to deter North Korea is to make it understand that if it goes to war with the United States and South Korea, it will be the last day of its regime.” Rep. Waltz also said, “We must press down on North Korea’s neck with economic sanctions. “That will force North Korea to come to the negotiation table,” he said. “All military options must be put on the table.”
Unlike the first-term administration staff who opposed President-elect Trump’s call for a preemptive strike on North Korea, hawks who supported a hard-line response led Trump’s second-term foreign affairs and security team, raising the possibility that North Korea-US relations would fluctuate significantly in the future. Regarding North Korea-Russia cooperation, Rep. Waltz said, “North Korean weapons going to Russia must be blocked in the middle.” Representative Rubio also argued that secondary sanctions should be imposed not only on North Korea, but also on China and Russia.
● Review of US forces in Korea, support for redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons
The selection of Representatives Rubio and Waltz is highly likely to bring changes to the ROK-US alliance. The two lawmakers have supported Korea-U.S.-Japan security cooperation and have emphasized strengthening Korea’s contribution to keeping China in check.
At a congressional hearing in 2022, Rep. Waltz asked the commander of U.S. forces in Korea, “If China invades Taiwan, are you prepared to allow the U.S. military to mobilize troops in Korea?” and “Korea must be ready as well.” This means that if U.S. troops stationed in Korea are mobilized to defend Taiwan, a plan should be prepared in which South Korea takes the lead in responding to North Korea.
We have also supported President-elect Trump’s increase in defense cost sharing and the need to adjust US forces stationed in Korea. Rep. Rubio warned that “we will see a review of US troops stationed in Korea and Western Europe” as the two countries clash in defense spending negotiations in 2020. Rep. Waltz also said in 2018, “The withdrawal of US troops from Korea could lead North Korea to move toward denuclearization.”
However, Rep. Waltz showed support for the ‘relocation of tactical nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula.’ He told Fox News in 2017 that as a diplomatic solution to suppress North Korean provocations, “China must pressure North Korea by redeploying tactical nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula and arming Japan.”
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The article discusses the views and actions of U.S. lawmakers Marco Rubio and Michael Waltz regarding North Korea and U.S. foreign policy. It highlights their skepticism towards North Korea’s denuclearization efforts and calls for a hard-line approach, emphasizing the use of economic sanctions and military readiness.
- Background on the Lawmakers: Both Rubio and Waltz have significant experience in international relations and have previously visited critical locations like Panmunjeom, which underscores their involvement in diplomatic matters.
- Stance on North Korea: Rubio criticized North Korea’s false promises on denuclearization following the Hanoi summit, while Waltz conveyed concern about North Korea’s missile developments. They advocate for strong economic sanctions and military options as deterrents against North Korea.
- Potential Policy Changes: Their expected roles in the Trump administration could signal a shift towards a more aggressive U.S. stance on North Korea. This includes the possibility of secondary sanctions against not just North Korea but also its allies like China and Russia.
- ROK-U.S. Alliance: The article suggests that the appointment of Rubio and Waltz could affect the U.S.-South Korea alliance, with discussions around the mobilization of U.S. troops in Korea and potential redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons, indicating a more militarized approach to Korean Peninsula security.
- Conclusion: The shift in U.S. foreign policy under the guidance of these lawmakers might lead to increased tensions in the region, suggesting a more proactive stance toward North Korea and possibly redefining U.S. military presence and strategy in East Asia.