McCain: US may have to choose either nuclear-armed North Korea or war
Sep 18, 2017, 11:28 AM | Updated: Mar 1, 2018, 3:51 pm
PHOENIX — U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said Sunday that the United States may have to soon choose between a North Korea armed with nuclear weapons or war.
“I’m not sure that we aren’t facing a serious situation here of two options: a nuclear-armed North Korea or war with North Korea so we would prevent them from the further acquisition,” he told CBS News’ “Face the Nation.”
McCain said the ongoing conflict with North Korea over its nuclear development program was among the most serious national security crises ever faced by the United States.
He said the situation was growing more drastic because numerous administrations have attempted to negotiate with the small Asian country to no avail, as it has continued on its path to developing nuclear weapons.
The senator also said the U.S. must pursue its missile defense system to protect itself.
“We’re going to have to do a number of things, including incredible emphasis on missile defense in South Korea, and our own missile defense system, since there is the scenario,” he said. “You never know exactly where it is, where they could strike the United States of America and Alaska.
“Both of those are unacceptable options.”
President Donald Trump has threatened North Korea in the past, saying the nation “had best not make any more threats to the United States” or “they will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen.”
However, McCain warned Trump last month that he should tread cautiously when issuing threats to North Korea if he is unprepared to act.
“I take exception to the president’s comments because you got to be sure you can do what you say you’re going to do,” he told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Mac & Gaydos in August.
The president insulted North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Twitter on Sunday, calling him a “rocket man.”
