Rep. Pete Sessions: US Must Show China It's Serious on NKorea

The United States must show China that it's serious about the use of a trade embargo and other tough measures in order to curb North Korea's continuing aggressions, even if there are repercussions, as the alternative is far worse, Rep. Pete Sessions said Monday.

"Which is greater to do, some opportunity to send a strong signal to the Chinese that we intend to move them further into the international community, to protect peace and economic opportunity?" the Texas Republican commented on CNN's "New Day" program. "Or to simply rain down missiles upon North Korea? I think I'll take the first one first."

On Monday, South Korea reported that it has detected that North Korea is continuing to prepare for a possible intercontinental ballistic missile launch, making its announcement a day after its neighbor conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear detonation.

"The United States needs take strong action," said Sessions. "I have listened to the words of advice from professionals who offer us the advice of stopping Chinese goods coming into the United States. I think we're going to have to play, not only hardball, but let the Chinese know we're serious about this effort and they're going to have to do something."

Military options should be the United States' last resort, said Sessions, but "we must not allow the North Koreans to move further."

Last month, President Donald Trump said that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is starting to respect the United States, but Sessions said Monday it sounded to him like the president had tried to offer an olive branch to give North Korea and China the opportunity to work through the issue.

"Protecting America, American interests, President Trump must do everything he can," said Sessions. "What is first is economic sanctions after you've already tried to use common sense. I support President Trump and his ability to use all things on the table."

If economic sanctions fail, the United States must not allow North Korea to fire missiles at will, said Sessions.

"I will say to the president, 'Mr. President, you have my full support and I think full support of members of the party after you've exhausted other opportunities,'" the congressman concluded.

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