U.S. Vice President Mike Pence says the Trump administration plans to unveils its "toughest and most aggressive" sanctions yet on North Korea.
Though no details have been released,... Pence is expected to say the new measures will halt the regime's nuclear and missile programs once and for all.
Kwon Jang-ho tells us more.
Describing North Korea as the most dangerous threat in the Indo-Pacific region, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence reiterated that all options remain on the table.
He said previous efforts at diplomacy with the regime had failed, and that the current administration would continue to put pressure on the regime.
In that regard, he made a surprise announcement.
"The United States of America will soon unveil the toughest and most aggressive round of economic sanctions on North Korea ever, and we will continue to isolate North Korea until it abandons its nuclear and ballistic missile programs once and for all."
Pence did not specify what those sanctions might be, but U.S. officials have said they expect them to be implemented before the end of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.
The Vice President also sent a stern warning on the North's participation with South Korea at the Games.
He noted that although the two Koreas have previously competed in sporting events together, those have not resulted in any change in the North... and said he would not allow North Korean propaganda to hijack the message of the Olympics.
He also thanked Japan for its cooperation in dealing with North Korea, and promised Tokyo continued American protection, while Abe promised to continue to work with Washington and Seoul to push Pyongyang towards change.
Pence will head to South Korea on Thursday, where he will meet with President Moon Jae-in, and attend the PyeongChang Olympics opening ceremony on Friday.
Despite Pence's strong words, he has not ruled out meeting with North Korean officials while in Pyeongchang, saying that he will see what happens.
Significant talks are not expected, but any interaction will be watched closely.
Kwon Jang-ho, Arirang News.
