Pentagon chief unexpectedly makes tough statement on North Korea

According to AFP, on October 28, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis warned that North Korea would face "a major military response" if Pyongyang used nuclear weapons.

US Secretary of Defense James Mattis. (Source: AP)

Speaking at a press conference during a visit to South Korea, Mr. Jim Mattis emphasized: "Make no mistake - any attack on the United States or our allies will be defeated."

Secretary Jim Mattis also noted that: "Any use of nuclear weapons by North Korea would be met with a massive, effective, and overwhelming military response."

Mr. Jim Mattis said diplomacy was the "preferred course of action" to resolve the current crisis, but stressed that "our diplomats are most effective when backed by credible military force."

Tensions have been rising on the Korean peninsula as North Korea conducted its sixth nuclear test last month and test-launched missiles capable of reaching the US mainland./.

According to Vietnam+