Defense chief downplays concerns over U.S. taking softer stance on N.K. nukes under Trump

Defense Minister Shin Won-sik on Thursday downplayed concerns of the United States possibly shifting to a softer stance on North Korea's nuclear program if former U.S. President Donald Trump wins the next presidential election.Shin made the remark when asked by a ruling party lawmaker about such concerns amid speculation about Trump's potential approach to the North's nuclear program as he seeks a second White House term."If the United States falls under the influence of North Korea's blackmail and abandons its duty to its ally, it would have to give up its global leadership," Shin said during a National Assembly session.Concerns have grown over Trump's possible policy on North Korea's denuclearization, with some experts suggesting he could allow the North keep its nuclear program under certain conditions if he is elected to office.Shin also dismissed the possibility of the alliance becoming weaker even if North Korea deploys an intercontinental ballistic missile, which would put the U.S. mainland wit hin range, citing the "extended deterrence" system between the allies.Extended deterrence refers to the U.S. commitment to mobilizing the full-range of its military capabilities to defend an ally.Shin also warned against possible provocative acts by North Korea near the Northern Limit Line (NLL), the de facto inter-Korean sea border, after the North's leader Kim Jong-un called the boundary a "ghost line" without legal grounds last week."Our military has defended the NLL over the past 70 years as the de facto maritime boundary," he said. "If Kim Jong-un makes the wrong choice, (it) will be a big disaster."Source: Yonhap News Agency