Bloomberg: Trump Said to Not Shy Away From Sudden Strike on North Korea
* President’s ‘very strong’ preference is for China to take lead
* Trump wants to push for long-term cooperation between Koreas
In the face of North Korea’s failed medium-range missile test this weekend, the White House opted to stay the course on its own plans and allow the Pyongyang regime to explain its failure, while remaining prepared for military action if necessary.
President Donald Trump’s very strong preference is for China to take the lead on dealing with North Korea, said a person familiar with the White House’s thinking. But the president is unafraid to order “kinetic” military action, including a sudden strike, to counteract North Korea’s destabilizing actions in the region, said the person, who asked not to be named because the discussions are private.
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Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- April 17, 2017
Meet the Americans on the Front Line If North Korea Goes to War -- NBC
U.S. Says Consensus Reached With China To Stop North Korea Missile Tests -- RFE
North Korea's missile launch: What we know -- USA Today
Biggest concern is that Kim Jong Un will 'miscalculate,' US military official says -- ABC News
Analyzing North Korea's Missile Parade: Prescription For Fear, Dose Of Reality -- The Drive
S. Korea to fully reinforce defense system in 5 years -- Yonhap News Agency
McMaster casts doubt on U.S. sending more troops to Syria -- PBS/AP
McMaster on US-Russia relations: 'Nowhere to go but up' -- The Hill
Were Kim Jong-Un's missiles FAKE? Critics claim 'wonky' rockets put on display ahead of failed test launch were not real weapons -- Daily Mail
Russia's Newest Hypersonic Missile to 'Weaken' US Navy's Global Role -- Sputnik
Russian Baltic Fleet warships leave for North Atlantic -- TASS
How Russia Will React to Deployment of NATO Anti-Missile Systems in Norway -- Sputnik
Iran shows off its elusive new fighter jet – but not in flight (VIDEO, PHOTOS) -- RT
Iran, Azerbaijan Discuss Boosting Military Cooperation -- Sputnik
U.K. defense minister calls for autonomous supply vehicles -- UPI
Philippines, US to hold annual 'Balikatan' military drills -- AFP
Photos, videos of F-35A training deployment to Europe -- Alert 5
Pentagon: 'A Few Dozen' US Troops Deployed to Somalia -- AFP
US Navy training jets will be modified as it determines oxygen problem -- FOX News
Senior Pentagon Official Casts Doubt on Tomahawk Missile's Future -- National Defense
U.S. Army tests dune buggy-like Hunter, Killer vehicles -- UPI
Critical Tests Approaching for Bell Helicopter’s V-280 Valor -- National Defense
US Military seeks civilians with high-tech skills to counter IS -- AP
Air Force plans to use high-powered electromagnets for cyber ops -- Fifth Domain Cyber
Comparing lasers, railguns and hypersonic weapons as potential gamechangers -- Next Big Future
Marines' new jungle boot enters final testing phase -- Marine Times
Trump says military is 'becoming stronger than ever before ... we have no choice!' -- The Hill
Retired Pacific Fleet Intelligence Chief Calls for Tougher Military Policy on China -- Washington Free Beacon