US defense chief vows 'overwhelming' response once DPRK launches nuclear weapon successfully
Updated: 2016-10-21 09:10
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||
"The recent dramatic increase in North Korean nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches remind us of the grave threat it poses to our collective security," he said at the start of the talks with US Secretary of State John Kerry and their South Korean counterparts. The term "extended deterrence" refers to the use of US nuclear force to deter attacks on its allies.
Kerry, despite high concern and strong opposition in East Asia, said at the talks that the United States would deploy the highly controversial Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system to South Korea "as soon as possible."
However, the saying that the US-built THAAD can counter the nuke and missile threat from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is merely a ruse, many analysts in the region argue, fearing its deployment will only worsen the already extremely volatile situation on the Korean Penninsula.
China and Russia have expressed strong opposition to the THAAD deployment as the system far exceeds South Korea's actual defense needs and would directly threaten the strategic security of the two countries.
Related Stories
DPRK's ballistic missile launch appears to fail: ROK 2016-10-20 10:35
ROK to bring forward homegrown missile defense against DPRK's threats 2016-10-18 14:27
UN Security Council slams DPRK's latest failed ballistic missile launch 2016-10-18 05:42
DPRK's test-launch of mid-range ballistic missile ends in failure 2016-10-16 15:18
Russia says arrests "illegal" DPRK fishing ship, one killed in conflict 2016-10-16 04:37
Today's Top News
EU leaders mull new trade rules
English cities hope to woo Chinese investment
UK's May tries to reassure EU on Brexit
Lawmakers stage walkout to protest anti-China acts
Syrian army declares 3-day truce in Aleppo
BBC report on Terracotta Warriors refuted
Iraqi forces recapture more villages around Mosul
Greeks rally against labor reforms
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Hollywood snaps up rock star's dog film |
Chinese people welcome dispossessed |
The can-do generation to the fore |
Riding the wave |
Leisure giants buoy cruise market |
She followed her heart |