US-Japan-South Korea on alert as North Korea celebrates party founding anniversary

The US, South Korea and Japan are closely monitoring every move by North Korea as it celebrates the founding anniversary of the Workers' Party (October 10).

The US believes that predicting the future of the North Korean crisis is impossible and US forces are required to be ready for any worst-case scenario, including the risk of a military conflict.

A brilliant fireworks display and a torchlight procession forming the word "Kim Il Sung" in Kim Il Sung Square celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party of Korea on October 10, 2015. Photo: KCNA.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has vowed not to bow to pressure from the United States, asserting that North Korea will continue its nuclear and missile development program.

Kim Jong-un also condemned the latest sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council after North Korea conducted its sixth nuclear test last month, stressing that North Korea would smash the nuclear threats and sanctions of its enemies.

In the context of North Korea celebrating the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party on October 10, 2017, observers are concerned that Pyongyang will conduct another long-range missile test.

Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary James Mattis said that predicting the future of the North Korean crisis is impossible, but asked US forces to be ready for all worst-case scenarios, including the risk of a military conflict with Pyongyang.

Speaking at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) annual meeting and exhibition in Washington, Secretary Mattis affirmed that currently, the diplomatic option is still the priority, combined with economic sanctions, in relations with North Korea. But in the future, the US Army's mission is to ensure "military options if necessary".

On the same day, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying called on all parties to "stick to their original stance" in resolving the North Korean nuclear issue.

Speaking at a regular press conference in Beijing, Hua Chunying responded to an article by former US President Jimmy Carter published in the Washington Post last week, in which he suggested the US send a high-level delegation to Pyongyang to promote peace talks or promote an international conference involving North Korea, South Korea, the US and China.

“If we look back at the Joint Statement of September 19, 2015, we will see that the two most important countries directly involved in the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula are the United States and North Korea. The United States’ main demand is for North Korea to abandon all its current nuclear weapons and programs. Meanwhile, the North Korean side wants the United States not to attack or invade North Korea with nuclear weapons.

Therefore, the initial stance of both sides was safety and security. However, they have moved away from this initial goal for many reasons. Only by properly balancing the security concerns of all sides will the door to a peaceful resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue be opened.”

Ms. Hua Chunying also called on all relevant parties to show signs of sincerity, be willing to dialogue and enhance mutual trust. A peaceful solution is the only way to fundamentally resolve the North Korean nuclear issue, while ensuring long-term security and stability of the region with the fundamental and common interests of all parties maintained./.

According to VOV