Using 19th-century British naval tactics to deal with Korea

(Baonghean.vn)- Former US Navy Lieutenant Commander Gregory Keeley, now an advisor to senior US politicians, commented that British naval tactics from the Napoleonic Wars in the early 1800s could be applied to isolate Korea.

In an article in The Hill, Mr. Keeley argued that a multinational blockade would increase pressure on North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and force this “dictator” to end his intercontinental ballistic missile and nuclear weapons development program.

Mr Keeley cited the Royal Navy's blockade of Napoleon's French army as a prime example of the power of besieging a "recalcitrant" government.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un with military officials. Photo: AP

Former Navy Lieutenant Commander Keeley believes that President Donald Trump can now take two measures to deal with Pyongyang: conduct "direct military action" and learn to live with the authoritarian, nuclear-armed nation.

But these are all bad measures, he said. A third option is to coordinate with like-minded countries in the region to impose a blockade on North Korean ports.

“Unlike sanctions, a port blockade would provide increased surveillance, intervention and restrictions on what can go in or out of the target country, while providing a powerful diplomatic and psychological tool,” Mr Keeley said.

Admiral Horatio Nelson was victorious in many naval battles during the Napoleonic Wars. Photo: Getty

A port blockade in the Sea of ​​Japan and the Yellow Sea would deny North Korea the equipment and raw materials it needs, including refined petroleum and military components, to fuel its nuclear and missile programs. A port blockade would also reduce North Korea’s lucrative coal and iron exports.”

Mr. Keeley added that this action requires coordination from US allies in the region, including Japan and Australia. Other countries such as Singapore, South Korea, India, or parties such as Taiwan and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) can also participate in this effort to isolate Pyongyang./.

Lan Ha

(According to Telegraph)