Daniel R. Russel: “Do we think of economic engagement as a reward or are we using it as a tool to try to shore up these principles and…”

The short answer, Senator Markey, is yes. We are concerned lest there be an escalatory cycle on the Korean Peninsula.

I think that this is a classic case of Beijing seeking to exploit the inherent rights and freedoms of maritime user states in UNCLOS, without accepting the limitations and the responsibilities of UNCLOS members.

We have no better allies or partners than Japan and the Republic of Korea.

We deter North Korea through a strong defensive military posture rooted in our alliances with South Korea and Japan.