Daniel R. Russel: “The stability and the security of the Pacific region is a vital U.S. national interest.”

The tremendous pressure that we have applied through both multilateral and national sanctions has generated serious headwinds for the DPRK regime.

The President was able to point out that the United States will not compromise with our security or with the security of our allies.

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

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.