Nikki Haley hints at North Korea strike

United Nations: The United States cautioned on Wednesday it was ready to use force if need be to stop North Korea’s nuclear missile programme but said it preferred global diplomatic action against Pyongyang for defying world powers by test launching a ballistic missile that could hit Alaska.

US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told a meeting of the UN Security Council that North Korea’s actions were “quickly closing off the possibility of a diplomatic solution” and the United States was prepared to defend itself and its allies.

“One of our capabilities lies with our considerable military forces. We will use them if we must, but we prefer not to have to go in that direction,” Ms Haley said. She urged China, North Korea’s only major ally, to do more to rein in Pyongyang.

Speaking with his Japanese counterpart on Wednesday, US defence secretary James Mattis underscored the “ironclad commitment” of the United States to defending Japan and providing “extended deterrence using the full range of US capabilities,” Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White said in a statement.

Mr Mattis’ assurances to Japanese defense minister Tomomi Inada came during a phone call to discuss the North Korean test, the statement said.

Taking a major step in its missile programme, North Korea on Tuesday test launched an intercontinental ballistic missile that some experts believe has the range to reach the US states of Alaska and Hawaii and perhaps the US Pacific Northwest.

North Korea says the missile could carry a large nuclear warhead. The missile test is a direct challenge to US President Donald Trump, who has vowed to prevent North Korea from being able to hit the United States with a nuclear missile. Meanwhile, Mr Trump lashed out on Thursday at North Korea’s military sabre-rattling, calling on the global community to ensure there are “consequences” for Pyongyang’s belligerence and warning that he is considering a “severe” response.

“I call on all nations to confront this global threat and publicly demonstrate to North Korea that there are consequences for their very, very bad behaviour,” he said during a visit to Warsaw.