April 12, 2017
North Korea nuclear threat hits home
It was overshadowed by US missile strikes on the Syrian Air Force, but there was another crisis brewing during President Donald Trump meeting last week with China's Xi Jinping.
Going into the discussions, Trump observed that North Korea would top his agenda, and for good reason. Pyongyang's twin pursuit of nuclear weapons and delivery vehicles has troubled successive US presidents over decades, and no administration has found a satisfactory response. Intelligence services now judge that Pyongyang will, likely within Trump's term in office, be able to place a nuclear warhead atop a ballistic missile that can reach the continental United States.
The notion of a reckless North Korean regime holding the United States at nuclear risk has galvanised new thinking in Washington. The threat has raised attention in Canberra as well. Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions were a major topic of discussion during Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's recent meeting with Malcolm Turnbull.
Read the full article at the Australian Financial Review.
More from CNAS
-
Democracy in South Asia amid U.S. Aid Cuts
Reports
The practice of democratic governance and the increased number of people across the world participating in national elections are positive trends that will help ensure governm...
By Lisa Curtis, Kareen Hart & Keerthi Martyn
-
Why China’s Amphibious ‘Invasion Platforms’ Are Troubling Sign for Taiwan
Video
Beijing’s new ships can land on beaches and link to form massive mobile piers. Analysts, including Tom Shugart from Center for a New American Security, say they’re intended to...
By Tom Shugart
-
How America Can Keep the Peace Between India and Pakistan
Commentary
The only way Washington can play the role of honest broker during times of crisis between India and Pakistan is if it maintains ties to both....
By Lisa Curtis
-
Global Leaders Condemn Pahalgam Terror Attack
Video
In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attacks, global leaders, including Trump and Macron, condemned the violence and expressed solidarity with India. As calls for justice grow, ...
By Lisa Curtis
