Daniel R. Russel: “The short answer, Senator Markey, is yes. We are concerned lest there be an escalatory cycle on the Korean Peninsula.”

We continue to make clear to the North that we are ready at any time to engage in credible negotiations on denuclearization.

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 united the world so that North Korea is denied regular access to the international system.

Our strategy is based on deterrence, on diplomacy, and on pressure.