U.S.: North Korea not backing up threats with military moves

North Korea not backing up threats with military moves

The White House on Monday denied provoking North Korea with unusual military maneuvers while playing down the seriousness of the Stalinist regime’s threats, saying in effect that Pyongyang has been all talk and no action.

“I would note that—despite the harsh rhetoric we’re hearing from Pyongyang—we are not seeing changes to the North Korean military posture, such as large-scale mobilizations and positioning of forces,” press secretary Jay Carney told reporters at his daily briefing. "We haven’t seen action to back up the rhetoric.”

Carney denied that the U.S. response to weeks of escalating rhetoric from North Korea has intensified rather than defused the standoff.

The U.S. has beefed up its missile defenses and flown nuclear-capable B-2 and B-52 bombers over the Korean Peninsula. B-2 stealth bombers even dropped dummy munitions during military exercises with South Korea.

Asked if such actions were making matters worse, Carney replied, "Not at all."

The spokesman insisted the U.S. response has been prudent and designed "to reassure our allies, demonstrate our resolve to the North, and reduce pressure on Seoul to take unilateral action."

He added, "We believe this has reduced the chance of miscalculation and provocation."

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