The U.S. military routinely prepares contingency plans for virtually every possible conflict on the planet, from a surprise Chinese attack on Taiwan to a sudden conflagration in the Middle East, Africa or elsewhere.
But wargaming a theoretical clash with North Korea is no easy task, as the regime has so successfully sealed itself off from outside penetration that even America’s top uniformed commanders admit they have major knowledge gaps about Pyongyang’s capabilities, its battlefield doctrines and its soldiers’ willingness to fight.
“I don’t know, but I have to treat them as they are,” Gen. Martin said when asked if the North Korean military is competent and capable by traditional standards. “We have to. Because if we don’t and we’re dismissive, we could undershoot the target if we ever get told it’s gametime. We have to play that they can communicate amongst themselves, they do have mission-type orders, they do – potentially, not all militaries do this – empower at lower levels.
Gen. Martin said there have been other instances in recent U.S. military history where commanders went into a fight lacking full information about the enemy. Pyongyang hasn’t tested a nuclear weapon since 2017, though its nuclear program remains the biggest wild card in any hypothetical clash. Those tensions were at the top of the agenda last month when South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol visited Mr. Biden in Washington. The two nations also announced a new, upgraded joint nuclear deterrence plan, which includes the impending docking of a U.S. nuclear-powered submarine in South Korea for the first time in 40 years.
France Dernières Nouvelles, France Actualités
Similar News:Vous pouvez également lire des articles d'actualité similaires à celui-ci que nous avons collectés auprès d'autres sources d'information.
Chinese Americans Protest Against DeSantis-Signed Bills That Restrict Chinese People From Buying Land in FloridaChinese residents and Chinese Americans have condemned racist legislation signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis that restricts Chinese people from buying land in the state.
Lire la suite »
Taiwan ambassador: China a threat but island still open for businessTaiwan's democracy is confronting both military and 'gray zone' information warfare threats from China and is adopting asymmetric weapons to defend itself, the country's unofficial ambassador to the United States said in an interview.
Lire la suite »
US urges WHO to invite Taiwan to observe May meetingThe United States is encouraging the World Health Organization to invite Taiwan as an observer at its annual meeting in Geneva from May 21 to 30, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday.
Lire la suite »
Taiwan's wind industry braves cross-strait risks in clean energy boomIn the port city of Taichung on Taiwan's west coast, a crane hoists into place the end section of a white wind turbine tower that stands almost a hundred metres tall.
Lire la suite »
Chinese woman appeals in fight for right to freeze her eggsAn unmarried Chinese woman has filed her final appeal of a hospital’s denial of access to freeze her eggs in a landmark case of female reproductive rights in the country.
Lire la suite »