How to deal with North Korea

A key focus of my talks in China was how to slow or stop North Korea’s rapidly advancing nuclear and missile capabilities, which threaten the Mariana Islands. Five guiding principles for achieving that goal were outlined in a letter to the President from myself and 67 other Members of Congress. We believe the President should:

• Increase economic pressure on North Korea through the imposition and effective enforcement of sanctions.
• Enhance U.S. diplomatic efforts, especially crisis management channels.
• Strengthen, not subvert, our alliances in East Asia.
• Recognize that Personnel is Policy.
• Maintain Deterrence and Defense.

Rather than using reckless rhetoric and sending muddled messages to our allies, the U.S. should pursue a comprehensive strategy toward North Korea based on these five principles. That is how to keep the Marianas safe.