Tillerson on N. Korea’s Latest Missile Test: They’re Acting out in Response to the Pressure They’re Feeling

‘We’re early into the game of putting pressure on them’

WALLACE: As I’m sure you know, North Korea tested yet another ballistic missile today. Isn’t that one more indication that the new get tough policy of this administration, the end of strategic patience, isn’t working?

TILLERSON: No, Chris, I wouldn’t — that would not be my takeaway at all. We’re early in the stages of applying the economic pressure as well as the diplomatic pressure to the regime in North Korea. Hopefully, they will get the message that the pathway of continuing their nuclear arms program is not a pathway to security or certainly prosperity.

The ongoing testing is disappointing, it’s disturbing, and we ask that they cease that, because until they cease that testing, clearly they have not changed their view. But I think we’re early into the game of putting pressure on them. And one could also interpret that perhaps they’re just acting out now in response to some of this pressure that I believe they’re beginning to feel.

Video files
Full
Compact
Audio files
Full
Compact