North Korea Failed Missile Test: US Vice President Mike Pence Promises Americans’ Commitment to South Korea, Asian Allies

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence arrived at a U.S. military base in South Korea, a day after North Korea launched a failed missile test. Pence flew to the country as the first stop on his Asian tour with the intention of affirming the Trump administration’s commitment towards America’s allies. The U.S. government also aims to remind these nations that it will not dismiss the fact that North Korea has become an increasingly unstable area.

According to Reuters, Mike Pence said he was honored to be present at the demilitarized zone and praised America’s alliance with South Korea. "It is a testament to the unshakeable bond between our people," the vice president said. Across the Korean peninsula, the demilitarized zone (DMZ) runs four kilometers wide, heavily mined and surrounded by barbed wire, guarded by soldiers on all sides. Working with its allies, such as China, the U.S. has set its sights on various responses to North Korea and its failed missile test, thereby highlighting an international agreement to act upon this feat.

Although President Donald Trump does not intend to focus solely on military action at present, a strike group comprised of nuclear-powered air carriers was reportedly headed towards the region. "It's time for us to undertake all actions we can, short of a military option, to try to resolve this peacefully," National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster explained the government's take on North Korea's "provocation" on ABC's "This Week" program. "We are working together with our allies and partners and with the Chinese leadership to develop a range of options."

According to the Washington Examiner, the Trump administration is placing its focus on stricter sanctions against North Korea, such as an oil embargo, an international ban on its airline, the interception of cargo ships and a number of punitive actions against banks carrying out transactions with Pyongyang. The majority of the Trump administration’s options can fall under the category of diplomatic negotiations, economic sanctions or military force. According to the U.S Pacific Command, the missile from North Korea almost straightaway blew up after its supposed test launch on Sunday.