US Might Threaten Military Action if N. Korea Launches Missile Test

President Barack Obama might feel pressure to go beyond intensifying sanctions and threaten military action against North Korea if Pyongyang conducts another missile test, US Defense Trade Advisory Group member Lawrence Ward told Sputnik.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — On Wednesday, Japanese media reported that satellite imagery indicated North Korea was preparing to test-launch a long-range missile. Earlier this month, Pyongyang tested a nuclear weapon, inciting outrage from the United States and new economic sanctions.

"In addition to additional sanctions, there may be pressure that the President threaten military response [against North Korea]," Ward said on Friday.

Ward noted that the United States and international response will be swift in terms of tightening sanctions on North Korea.

Such a test launch, he added, could force China to react against North Korea or risk damaging relations with the United States.

On January 6, Pyongyang announced it had successfully tested a hydrogen bomb, a move which triggered condemnation from the United States that characterized it as a provocative move destabilizing the region.

The Defense Trade Advisory Group, established by an act of the US Congress, is comprised of private sector experts appointed by the Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs to advise the Department of State on international defense-related trade issues.