US to impose naval blockade and 'no-fly zone' against North Korea

The Trump administration could strengthen a naval blockade or impose a “no-fly zone” against North Korea if the country successfully develops an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), an expert said on May 23.

Mr. Trump would see that as a “red line” for North Korea, according to Shin Beom Chul, a professor at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy.

“In the event that North Korea successfully develops an ICBM, taking military action against Pyongyang would be the top priority option on the negotiating table from Trump’s perspective,” the expert said in a statement issued to reporters ahead of a security conference to be co-hosted by the Korean National Defense Academy and the Konrad Adenaeur Stiftung (Germany).

US President Donald Trump has yet to find a way to solve the nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula (Photo: Korea Herald)

The conference will be held in Seoul on May 24 with the theme: “The new US administration and relations with allies: Innovation and continuous improvement”.

Mr. Shin is expected to give a speech at this defense conference. Mr. Shin analyzed that the Donald Trump administration will refrain from carrying out a direct military attack against the DPRK because of concerns that retaliatory attacks would cause great damage.

“He can still create military pressure through various options without launching a direct attack on the DPRK,” the professor said.

“That said, military options including a naval blockade and the imposition of a no-fly zone could also escalate tensions in Northeast Asia,” he added.

“For these reasons, attention should be paid to the US decision to deploy the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson (CVN 70) to the waters east of the Korean Peninsula on the South Korean side after May,” he stressed.

Another important question is how Russia and China would react if the US took such actions. Both Beijing and Moscow would like all sides to avoid a direct military confrontation and step up efforts to urge Pyongyang to return to the negotiating table.

According to CAND