WASHINGTON >> Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) returned from a Congressional trip to South Korea and Japan, where he met with leaders to discuss our security in the region. During his trip, Thompson inspected the demilitarized zone (DMZ) between South Korea and North Korea, discussed defenses with General Vincent K. Brooks, met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and attended numerous briefings related to national defense.
“Now more than ever, we must work arm-in-arm with our allies to preserve the security of the region,” said Thompson. “North Korea’s failed missile launch this weekend is not the end of their attempts to develop weapons capable of striking us here in America — and they are already capable of attacking our allies in South Korea and Japan.
Thompson pointed out that the issue is complex and cannot be solved by threats or provocation. He believes the federal policy should be to maintain a united coalition.
“It will require thoughtful, appropriate responses to North Korea’s aggression, not a unilateral approach,” Thompson said. “Neither the United States nor the President should act unilaterally whenever military force is concerned. Both Congress and our allies in the region have a role to play in any action.”
Tensions have continued to climb between the United States and North Korea throughout the week. Yesterday, North Korea tried and failed to launch a medium-range ballistic missile. Their nuclear and missile programs remain in development.
During his trip, Thompson toured the Yokosuka U.S. Naval Base in Japan, met with Prime Minister Abe of Japan, as well as members of South Korea’s Parliament and toured the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea.
Thompson also had the opportunity to speak with North Korean defector Thae Yong-ho, former North Korean deputy ambassador to the United Kingdom and the highest-ranked official to defect
