Tensions have been rising between the United States and North Korea in the last couple of weeks. President Trump sent Vice President Mike Pence to the demilitarized zone on the border of North and South Korea last week, as part of an Asia tour.
North Korea has threatened to attack the U.S. if they feel that their sovereignty is being threatened, but the Trump administration should try and solve this crisis through the use of diplomacy instead of force.
Pence spoke about peace, but at the same time told the world that the United States would not hesitate to use military force if necessary.
“The United States of America will always seek peace but under President Trump, the shield stands guard and the sword stands ready,” Pence said at the U.S. Yokosuka naval base in Tokyo Bay.
“Those who would challenge our resolve or readiness should know, we will defeat any attack and meet any use of conventional or nuclear weapons with an overwhelming and effective American response,” he said.
Donald Trump has struck a tough tone toward North Korea, threatening to “properly deal” with them if China is unable to rein in its ally, and sending what he described as an armada of warships to the region.
North Korea would not win in a war against the United States and South Korea. They threaten to go to war with the United States because they have nothing to lose. That is why the U.S. must to everything in its power to avoid giving in to provocations and an unnecessary war, that would not bring any good.
The U.S. can show how powerful of a nation it is by being able to end this conflict peacefully without ever firing a single bullet. Just because we have the military power to win a possible war, it does not mean that we should engage in one.
The key to achieving peace would be working with China to resolve this diplomatically. It is even in the best interest of the Chinese government to work with the U.S. government to find a diplomatic solution, because if a war were to occur, the region would become further destabilized and China would be overwhelmed with refugees.
According to an April 24 article in the New York Times, the Chinese government has increased pressure on North Korea, which depends on them for its trade, foreign currency and energy.
China officially suspended coal shipments from North Korea and has threatened to cut oil shipments into the country.
President of China, Xi Jinpig, said in a recent call with president Trump that he wanted to work with the American government.
“International circumstances are changing rapidly, and it’s extremely necessary for China and the United States to maintain close contacts and promptly exchange views on major issues,” Xi said in a statement released by the Chinese government, published by China’s state-run Xinhua news agency.
Critics of a diplomatic solution argue that North Korea has been riddled with sanctions which have done little to deter them from advancing their nuclear weapons program or stop them from launching missile tests.
While that is true, the difference now is that China – the country that is keeping the North Korean economy afloat – is finally willing to cooperate with the American government.
The Trump administration has to do everything in its power to find a peaceful resolution, because war and sacrificing American lives should always be the last resort, not the first reflex under tense circumstances.
Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the Campus Times Editorial Board.