US officials say sanctions are key to denuclearisation, but how they would force change remains unexplained.
One thing is clear about US President Donald Trump’s approach to North Korea.
He is clearly trying to send the message that he means business and that this could mean the US military gets involved.
It’s not a subtle message to send an aircraft carrier strike group into the region. The president is anxious to send a message to North Korea and China that he is different and that his strategy will be as well.
So what is the strategy?
At the state department they are putting all of the emphasis on effective sanctions. They believe if sanctions are fully implemented, that could force a change from the North Korean leadership when it comes to its missile and nuclear weapon programme.
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will chair a meeting of the UN Security Council on Friday where the idea of new sanctions will be talked about.
READ MORE: Is war coming to North Korea?
A confusing comment came from down the road in Washington when Admiral Harry Harris testified before two congressional committees. He was repeatedly asked what the driving motivation for Pyongyang’s nuclear programme is.
