North Korea makes strategic move as Trump threatens ‘devastating force’

NORTH Korea is relocating military assets in a bid to boost the nation’s military readiness in the wake of Donald Trump’s latest threat.

DONALD Trump has warned the United States is prepared to use “devastating” military action against North Korea if necessary.

The US President said the use of force is not Washington’s first option, but they will do what it takes to stop Kim Jong-un.

“We are totally prepared for the second option, not a preferred option,” he said, referring to military force.

“But if we take that option, it will be devastating, I can tell you that, devastating for North Korea. That’s called the military option. If we have to take it, we will.”

It comes as US officials said satellite imagery detected North Korean military assets relocating to the country’s east coast.

General Joseph Dunford warned North Korea will have a missile ready “soon”. Picture: Mandel Ngan

CNN reports the strategic move included a small number of fighter jets, external fuel tanks and air-to-air missiles in a bid to boost the nation’s military readiness.

It follows threats from the regime on Sunday to shoot down any US aircraft flying off its coastline even if they are in international airspace.

North Korea has been working to develop nuclear-tipped missiles capable of hitting the American mainland.

Last weekend, the nation’s foreign minister, Ri Yong-ho, said it was “inevitable” North Korean rocked would hit the United States.

He also claimed Mr Trump had issued a declaration of war when he tweeted North Korean officials “won’t be around much longer” if they continue to issue threats.

SHORTEN VISITS KOREAN PENINSULA: ‘THREAT REAL’

Bill Shorten warns the threat of conflict on the Korean peninsula is serious and real following a visit to the demilitarised zone.

The Labor leader said his tour with opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong on Tuesday emphasised how the area was still trapped in the arguments of more than 60 years ago.

“The conflict and the risk to conflict is serious and it is real and we need to do everything we can diplomatically to make sure that the United Nations Security Council resolutions have their effect,” he told reporters in Tokyo on Wednesday.

Mr Shorten said his tour of South Korea and Japan was about showing both sides of Australian politics supported the two countries in the face of actions by Pyongyang.

The next step to ramp up pressure on the regime was to try to stop the export of North Korean textiles into China and the movement of guest labourers, as well as further sanctions on oil and petrol, he said.

“I think that will focus the North Korean regime to understand there are consequences,” Mr Shorten said.

He again refused to be drawn on US President Donald Trump’s recent language about North Korea and its leader, Kim Jong Un, insisting unified international action was the focus.

PYONGYANG READYING FOR ALL OUT WAR

Marine Corps General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, told Reuters it would only be a “very short time” before Pyongyang will have a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile.

“We clearly have postured our forces to respond in the event of a provocation or a conflict,” he said, adding that the United States has taken “all proper measures to protect our allies” including South Korean and Japan.

North Koreans gathered in Pyongyang for an anti-US rally last week. Picture: KCNA

“It would be an incredibly provocative thing for them to conduct a nuclear test in the Pacific as they have suggested, and I think the North Korean people would have to realise how serious that would be, not only for the United States but for the international community.”

The United States has imposed severe economic sanctions restricting trade with the rogue state, which affect 26 individuals and nine banks.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in urged Kim Jong Un to resume military talks and reunions of families split by the 1950-53 Korean War to ease tension.

“Like I’ve said multiple times before, if North Korea stops its reckless choices, the table for talks and negotiations always remains open,” he said.

— with Reuters