North Korea news: China will attack United States if Donald Trump attacks first
Donald Trump promised to retaliate with “fire and fury” after reports emerged from North Korea suggesting its despot leader was considering a ballistic missile attack on the US territory of Guam. An Asian expert has hinted China would like the conflict to be resolved diplomatically but could turn its guns on President Trump if he launches the first attack. Daniel Ten Kate, Bloomberg’s Asia editor, said: “China has supported United Nations sanctions, they don’t want Pyongyang to be shooting off missiles, having nuclear tests or doing anything that could destabilise the situation and lead to war. “At the same time, they want the US and South Korea to step back as well.
BLOOMBERG•GETTY North Korea news: China could attack United States if Donald Trump attacks North Korea first
If the US comes and attacks North Korea, China are going to defend the regime Daniel Ten Kate
“There were editorials in the state-run Chinese newspaper saying if North Korea fires off a missile at the US we will stay neutral, but if the US comes and attacks North Korea, we’re going to defend the regime.” Mr Trump, himself, is said to favour a “diplomatic” solution but according to his White House communications director, he will also be considering a more “dramatic” plan to handle the North Korea situation. Speaking during a question and answer session with his social media users, Anthony Scaramucci said the US leader would not want to put civilian lives at risk.
He said: ““I think the United States has a solution there. I think the first solution we should be seeking is always a diplomatic solution. “I think there is a more dramatic solution there, if necessary. “I think the number one thing the President is focused on is the mitigation of innocent civilian life. “You can’t have someone who is sabre-rattling like that and threatening places like Guam, Japan or our allies in the South Korean peninsula.”
US and Japanese tanks take part in military exercise - in pictures Mon, August 14, 2017 US and Japanese tanks have taken part in a joint exercise in Eniwa, on the northern island of Hokkaido in Japan as tensions rise over the North Korean nuclear threat Play slideshow REUTERS 1 of 16 Japan's Ground Self Defense Force Type 90 tanks (front) and U.S. Marine Corps LAV-25 Light Armoured Vehicles take part in their joint exercise, named Northern Viper 17