A US aircraft carrier has arrived in South Korea in a show of force just days after North Korea test-fired cruise missiles to demonstrate its retaliatory strike capabilities.
The appearance of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson and its strike group in the South Korean port of Busan is aimed at demonstrating the strong military alliance between the United States and South Korea in the face of persistent threats from North Korea and improving the operational interoperability of allied forces, the South Korean Navy said in a statement.
It is noted that this is the first American aircraft carrier to visit South Korea since June.
The deployment of the aircraft carrier is expected to anger North Korea, which sees the temporary deployment of such powerful US military forces as a significant threat to its security.
North Korea has responded to some past deployments of U.S. aircraft carriers, long-range bombers and nuclear submarines by conducting missile tests.
After his inauguration in January, US President Donald Trump said he would re-engage with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to resume diplomatic efforts.
North Korea has not responded directly to Trump's initiative, but perceived US hostile actions against North Korea have increased since his inauguration.
North Korea said on Friday that it test-fired strategic cruise missiles early last week to demonstrate its counter-strike capabilities and nuclear readiness to its adversaries.
After overseeing the launches, which were North Korea's fourth missile test this year, Mr Kim ordered his military to be fully prepared to use nuclear weapons.
Experts say Mr Kim is unlikely to accept Mr Trump's offer anytime soon, as he is currently focused on Russia and Ukraine.
They believe Mr Kim may consider resuming diplomatic relations with Mr Trump when he feels he can no longer maintain his country's current, vibrant partnership with Russia.
Mr. Kim and Mr. Trump met three times from 2018 to 2019 during Mr. Trump’s first term to discuss the future of North Korea’s nuclear program. Their high-strategy diplomacy ultimately failed over disagreements over U.S. economic sanctions against North Korea.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
