President Donald Trump has had enough of North Korea’s belligerent ways and has emphasized that only a determined response from the U.S. and key allies will be the only solution to contain the barbaric state.
Trump expressed his tough stance against Kim Jong-Un’s-led regime in a joint appearance with South Korean President Moon Jae-in. The President said: “The era of strategic patient with the North Korean regime has failed… Frankly, that patience is over.”
Trump also stressed that it remains imperative for the allies to fully cooperate in the determined response to contain the aggressive stance of North Korea and its nuclear ambitions. The President said: "We're working closely with South Korea and Japan, as well as partners around the world, on a range of diplomatic, security and economic measures to protect our allies and our own citizens from this menace known as North Korea."
The President also did not let the opportunity pass to more than hint to South Korea and other close American allies to do their part in terms of trade and the need for burden sharing in defense. He said the U.S. is renegotiating “rough” trade deals with South Korea.
Trump said: "We will do more to remove barriers to reciprocal trade and market access,” adding that he had talked with Moon about the thorny trade areas of steel and autos. "I am encouraged by President Moon's assurances that he will work to create a level playing field so that American workers and businesses, and especially automakers, can have a fair shake at dealing with South Korea," the President added.
Despite the good relations and productive talks between him and Moon, Trump stood firm with his campaign promise and strong government policy of pushing for partners, including South Korea, to share the burden of defense costs. Trump has long called on South Korea and Japan, among others, to give their just share in the defense spending, noting the far greater responsibility and financial burden placed on the U.S. in terms of the defense costs in protecting global and own allies’ security interests.
Source:
