Sunday, April 16, 2017

Pence visits the Korean DMZ

McMaster: North Korea 'coming to a head

US Vice President Pence visits DMZ amid high tensions with North Korea

By James Griffiths and Dana Bash, CNN
Updated 12:58 AM ET, Mon April 17, 2017
mike pence visits dmz hancocks live_00005028

Story highlights

  • US Vice President Mike Pence is on a tour of Asia
  • He arrived in South Korea amid heightened tensions on the peninsula
Seoul, South Korea (CNN)US Vice President Mike Pence visited the Korean Demilitarized Zone Monday, a day after the embarrassing failure of a North Korean missile test which the US and South Korea said exploded on launch.
Standing within 60 meters (200 feet) of the North Korean border, Pence described the DMZ as the "frontier of freedom" and added that "all options are on the table" in pursuing the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
What is the DMZ?
The demilitarized zone (DMZ) is a heavily-fortified buffer zone, four kilometers (2.5 miles) wide, that divides North and South Korea.
It was established by the armistice agreement that ended the Korean War, though both sides technically remain at conflict as no peace treaty has ever been signed.
Numerous US officials have visited military bases overlooking the border, and the Panmunjom Joint Security Area, where North and South Korean soldiers stand watch facing each other and several meeting rooms straddle the border between the two countries.
Tensions on the peninsula have ratcheted up in recent weeks, amid tit-for-tat saber-rattling from the US and North Korea and analysts' warnings that North Korea was preparing for another nuclear test.
Speaking at the DMZ, Pence said the US "has always sought peace through strength and my message here today ... standing with courageous soldiers from the Republic of Korea is a message of resolve."
The demilitarized zone (DMZ) is the highly-fortified border between North and South Korea. It stretches 250 kilometers (160 miles) and is dotted with military guard posts, mines and defensive structures.

US options on North Korea

Echoing the remarks of US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson last month, Pence said the "era of strategic patience is over."
The US has leaned on China -- North Korea's main ally -- to apply pressure on Pyongyang to curtail its nuclear ambitions.
At the same it's increased its military footprint in the region by deploying a naval carrier strike group to waters off the Korean Peninsula.
US warships sent to Korea: What to know

US warships sent to Korea: What to know 01:23
US President Donald Trump held a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier this month, and has praised China's turning back of North Korean coal ships as a "big step" forward in the effort to enlist Chinese pressure on Pyongyang.
Pence said Monday Trump was "very hopeful that China will take actions to bring about a change of policy in North Korea. An abandonment of its nuclear weapons program and its ballistic missile program."
Speaking Sunday, US national security adviser H. R. McMaster said that when it came to the North Korean nuclear program "all of our options are on the table, undergoing refinement and further development."
He emphasized the US hopes not to use military force but warned "this problem is coming to a head."
McMaster said various US military and intelligence agencies are working on providing options to "have them ready" for Trump "if this pattern of destabilizing behavior continues."
On Friday, North Korea said the dangerous security situation was due to the "Trump administration's reckless military provocation."
"The Trump administration, which made a surprise cruise guided missile strike at Syria on April 6, has entered the path of open threat and blackmail against (North Korea)," a spokesman for the Korean People's Army said according to state news agency KCNA.
US President George W. Bush looks at North Korea from Observation Point Ouellette in the DMZ on Feb. 20, 2002. The president visited the zone to express his hope for communist North Korea to rejoin democratic South Korea someday.
Photos: Presidents and Vice Presidents at the DMZ
George W. Bush at the DMZ – US President George W. Bush looks at North Korea from Observation Point Ouellette in the DMZ on Feb. 20, 2002. The president visited the zone to express his hope for communist North Korea to rejoin democratic South Korea someday.
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US President Bill Clinton surveys the North Korean border on his tour of the DMZ during a post-G7 summit trip in July 1993.
Photos: Presidents and Vice Presidents at the DMZ
Bill Clinton at the DMZ – US President Bill Clinton surveys the North Korean border on his tour of the DMZ during a post-G7 summit trip in July 1993.
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US President Ronald Reagan looks across the DMZ at Guard Post Collier, South Korea, on November 13, 1982.
Photos: Presidents and Vice Presidents at the DMZ
Ronald Reagan at the DMZ – US President Ronald Reagan looks across the DMZ at Guard Post Collier, South Korea, on November 13, 1982.
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American President Jimmy Carter waves to a crowd of military that greeted him on his arrival to Camp Casey, just south of the DMZ, on June 29, 1979 in South Korea. Carter planned on spending the night at the camp before returning to Seoul for two days of talk with Korean President Park Chung Hee.
Photos: Presidents and Vice Presidents at the DMZ
Jimmy Carter at the DMZ – American President Jimmy Carter waves to a crowd of military that greeted him on his arrival to Camp Casey, just south of the DMZ, on June 29, 1979 in South Korea. Carter planned on spending the night at the camp before returning to Seoul for two days of talk with Korean President Park Chung Hee.
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US Vice President Mike Pence looks at North Korea from the border village of Panmunjom on April 17, 2017. Pence visited a military base near the Demilitarized Zone, a day after the North conducted a failed missile launch. Pence arrived at Camp Bonifas on Monday for a briefing with military leaders and to meet with American troops. He is in South Korea as part of a 10-day tour of Asia.
Photos: Presidents and Vice Presidents at the DMZ
Mike Pence at the DMZ – US Vice President Mike Pence looks at North Korea from the border village of Panmunjom on April 17, 2017. Pence visited a military base near the Demilitarized Zone, a day after the North conducted a failed missile launch. Pence arrived at Camp Bonifas on Monday for a briefing with military leaders and to meet with American troops. He is in South Korea as part of a 10-day tour of Asia.
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US President Barack Obama looks toward North Korea from Observation Post Ouellette during a visit to the DMZ on March 25, 2012. Obama arrived in Seoul earlier in the day to attend the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit.
Photos: Presidents and Vice Presidents at the DMZ
Barack Obama at the DMZ – US President Barack Obama looks toward North Korea from Observation Post Ouellette during a visit to the DMZ on March 25, 2012. Obama arrived in Seoul earlier in the day to attend the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit.
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US Vice President Joe Biden and his granddaughter Finnegan Biden visit the DMZ on December 7, 2013. In addition to South Korea, Biden also visited Japan and China to discuss the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the South China Sea, economic relationship with China and the implementation of the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement.
Photos: Presidents and Vice Presidents at the DMZ
Joe Biden at the DMZ – US Vice President Joe Biden and his granddaughter Finnegan Biden visit the DMZ on December 7, 2013. In addition to South Korea, Biden also visited Japan and China to discuss the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the South China Sea, economic relationship with China and the implementation of the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement.
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US President George W. Bush looks at North Korea from Observation Point Ouellette in the DMZ on Feb. 20, 2002. The president visited the zone to express his hope for communist North Korea to rejoin democratic South Korea someday.
Photos: Presidents and Vice Presidents at the DMZ
George W. Bush at the DMZ – US President George W. Bush looks at North Korea from Observation Point Ouellette in the DMZ on Feb. 20, 2002. The president visited the zone to express his hope for communist North Korea to rejoin democratic South Korea someday.
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US President Bill Clinton surveys the North Korean border on his tour of the DMZ during a post-G7 summit trip in July 1993.
Photos: Presidents and Vice Presidents at the DMZ
Bill Clinton at the DMZ – US President Bill Clinton surveys the North Korean border on his tour of the DMZ during a post-G7 summit trip in July 1993.
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US President Ronald Reagan looks across the DMZ at Guard Post Collier, South Korea, on November 13, 1982.
Photos: Presidents and Vice Presidents at the DMZ
Ronald Reagan at the DMZ – US President Ronald Reagan looks across the DMZ at Guard Post Collier, South Korea, on November 13, 1982.
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American President Jimmy Carter waves to a crowd of military that greeted him on his arrival to Camp Casey, just south of the DMZ, on June 29, 1979 in South Korea. Carter planned on spending the night at the camp before returning to Seoul for two days of talk with Korean President Park Chung Hee.
Photos: Presidents and Vice Presidents at the DMZ
Jimmy Carter at the DMZ – American President Jimmy Carter waves to a crowd of military that greeted him on his arrival to Camp Casey, just south of the DMZ, on June 29, 1979 in South Korea. Carter planned on spending the night at the camp before returning to Seoul for two days of talk with Korean President Park Chung Hee.
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US Vice President Mike Pence looks at North Korea from the border village of Panmunjom on April 17, 2017. Pence visited a military base near the Demilitarized Zone, a day after the North conducted a failed missile launch. Pence arrived at Camp Bonifas on Monday for a briefing with military leaders and to meet with American troops. He is in South Korea as part of a 10-day tour of Asia.
Photos: Presidents and Vice Presidents at the DMZ
Mike Pence at the DMZ – US Vice President Mike Pence looks at North Korea from the border village of Panmunjom on April 17, 2017. Pence visited a military base near the Demilitarized Zone, a day after the North conducted a failed missile launch. Pence arrived at Camp Bonifas on Monday for a briefing with military leaders and to meet with American troops. He is in South Korea as part of a 10-day tour of Asia.
Hide Caption
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US President Barack Obama looks toward North Korea from Observation Post Ouellette during a visit to the DMZ on March 25, 2012. Obama arrived in Seoul earlier in the day to attend the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit.
Photos: Presidents and Vice Presidents at the DMZ
Barack Obama at the DMZ – US President Barack Obama looks toward North Korea from Observation Post Ouellette during a visit to the DMZ on March 25, 2012. Obama arrived in Seoul earlier in the day to attend the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit.
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US Vice President Joe Biden and his granddaughter Finnegan Biden visit the DMZ on December 7, 2013. In addition to South Korea, Biden also visited Japan and China to discuss the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the South China Sea, economic relationship with China and the implementation of the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement.
Photos: Presidents and Vice Presidents at the DMZ
Joe Biden at the DMZ – US Vice President Joe Biden and his granddaughter Finnegan Biden visit the DMZ on December 7, 2013. In addition to South Korea, Biden also visited Japan and China to discuss the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the South China Sea, economic relationship with China and the implementation of the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement.
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US President George W. Bush looks at North Korea from Observation Point Ouellette in the DMZ on Feb. 20, 2002. The president visited the zone to express his hope for communist North Korea to rejoin democratic South Korea someday.
Photos: Presidents and Vice Presidents at the DMZ
George W. Bush at the DMZ – US President George W. Bush looks at North Korea from Observation Point Ouellette in the DMZ on Feb. 20, 2002. The president visited the zone to express his hope for communist North Korea to rejoin democratic South Korea someday.
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02 Mike Pence DMZ
Obama DMZ
Joe Biden DMZ
02 George W Bush DMZ
Bill Clinton DMZ RESTRICTED
Ronald Reagan DMZ RESTRICTED
Jimmy Carter DMZ

Show of force

Analyst reacts to failed NK missile launch

Analyst reacts to failed NK missile launch 04:30
Pence's visit followed an impressive parade Saturday to mark the "Day of the Sun," the most important day in the North Korean calendar, when Pyongyang showed off an array of new missiles and launchers.
Pyongyang paraded two new intercontinental ballistic missile-sized canisters as well as displaying its submarine-launched ballistic missile and a land-based version of the same for the first time, according to analysts.
A submarine-launched ballistic missile is displayed during the parade.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
A submarine-launched ballistic missile is displayed during the parade.
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A soldier stands guard at the Kim Il Sung Square.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
A soldier stands guard at the Kim Il Sung Square.
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Korean citizens spell out "Day of the Sun" in Kim Il Sung Square.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
Korean citizens spell out "Day of the Sun" in Kim Il Sung Square.
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University students carry the national flag and two bronze statues of the late leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
University students carry the national flag and two bronze statues of the late leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.
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Helmeted servicemen march during the parade.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
Helmeted servicemen march during the parade.
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Korean People's Army soldiers march on Kim Il-Sung square.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
Korean People's Army soldiers march on Kim Il-Sung square.
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North Korean men and women dressed to represent doctors and other medical workers during the parade.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
North Korean men and women dressed to represent doctors and other medical workers during the parade.
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Members of the Korean People's Army ride on mobile missile launchers.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
Members of the Korean People's Army ride on mobile missile launchers.
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North Korean men beat drums as they parade across the square.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
North Korean men beat drums as they parade across the square.
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un waves during a military parade on Saturday, April 15, in Pyongyang to celebrate the 105th anniversary of Kim Il Sung's birth, the country's late founder and grandfather of current ruler Kim Jong Un.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un waves during a military parade on Saturday, April 15, in Pyongyang to celebrate the 105th anniversary of Kim Il Sung's birth, the country's late founder and grandfather of current ruler Kim Jong Un.
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Soldiers in tanks take part in the military parade.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
Soldiers in tanks take part in the military parade.
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North Korean soldiers carry flags and a photo of late leader Kim Il Sung as they march across Kim Il Sung Square.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
North Korean soldiers carry flags and a photo of late leader Kim Il Sung as they march across Kim Il Sung Square.
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Female North Korean soldiers march during the parade.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
Female North Korean soldiers march during the parade.
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Missiles are paraded across Kim Il Sung Square.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
Missiles are paraded across Kim Il Sung Square.
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A rocket-themed float makes its way through Kim Il-Sung square.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
A rocket-themed float makes its way through Kim Il-Sung square.
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Soldiers salute while the national anthem is played during the parade.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
Soldiers salute while the national anthem is played during the parade.
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Women wearing traditional Korean dress wave flowers and shout slogans as they pass North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
Women wearing traditional Korean dress wave flowers and shout slogans as they pass North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un.
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A submarine-launched ballistic missile is displayed during the parade.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
A submarine-launched ballistic missile is displayed during the parade.
Hide Caption
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A soldier stands guard at the Kim Il Sung Square.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
A soldier stands guard at the Kim Il Sung Square.
Hide Caption
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Korean citizens spell out "Day of the Sun" in Kim Il Sung Square.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
Korean citizens spell out "Day of the Sun" in Kim Il Sung Square.
Hide Caption
11 of 17
University students carry the national flag and two bronze statues of the late leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
University students carry the national flag and two bronze statues of the late leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.
Hide Caption
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Helmeted servicemen march during the parade.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
Helmeted servicemen march during the parade.
Hide Caption
13 of 17
Korean People's Army soldiers march on Kim Il-Sung square.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
Korean People's Army soldiers march on Kim Il-Sung square.
Hide Caption
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North Korean men and women dressed to represent doctors and other medical workers during the parade.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
North Korean men and women dressed to represent doctors and other medical workers during the parade.
Hide Caption
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Members of the Korean People's Army ride on mobile missile launchers.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
Members of the Korean People's Army ride on mobile missile launchers.
Hide Caption
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North Korean men beat drums as they parade across the square.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
North Korean men beat drums as they parade across the square.
Hide Caption
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un waves during a military parade on Saturday, April 15, in Pyongyang to celebrate the 105th anniversary of Kim Il Sung's birth, the country's late founder and grandfather of current ruler Kim Jong Un.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un waves during a military parade on Saturday, April 15, in Pyongyang to celebrate the 105th anniversary of Kim Il Sung's birth, the country's late founder and grandfather of current ruler Kim Jong Un.
Hide Caption
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Soldiers in tanks take part in the military parade.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
Soldiers in tanks take part in the military parade.
Hide Caption
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North Korean soldiers carry flags and a photo of late leader Kim Il Sung as they march across Kim Il Sung Square.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
North Korean soldiers carry flags and a photo of late leader Kim Il Sung as they march across Kim Il Sung Square.
Hide Caption
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Female North Korean soldiers march during the parade.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
Female North Korean soldiers march during the parade.
Hide Caption
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Missiles are paraded across Kim Il Sung Square.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
Missiles are paraded across Kim Il Sung Square.
Hide Caption
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A rocket-themed float makes its way through Kim Il-Sung square.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
A rocket-themed float makes its way through Kim Il-Sung square.
Hide Caption
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Soldiers salute while the national anthem is played during the parade.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
Soldiers salute while the national anthem is played during the parade.
Hide Caption
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Women wearing traditional Korean dress wave flowers and shout slogans as they pass North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
Women wearing traditional Korean dress wave flowers and shout slogans as they pass North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un.
Hide Caption
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A submarine-launched ballistic missile is displayed during the parade.
Photos: North Korea Day of the Sun parade
A submarine-launched ballistic missile is displayed during the parade.
Hide Caption
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02 nk parade kim jong un
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The regime followed that -- according to US and South Korean officials -- with an attempted missile test Sunday from the eastern port of Sinpo. That was the site of a ballistic missile test earlier this month in which the projectile fell into the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea.
If Sunday's missile launch leads to a nuclear test or an ICBM launch, there would be "a powerful punishing measure that North Korean authority can't endure," South Korean officials said.
US officials told CNN they did not believe the missile had intercontinental capabilities, and blew up almost immediately after launch.
CNN's Abigail Crutchfield and Kevin Bohn contributed reporting.

 

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