N. Korea most urgent threat to peace, security: Pentagon chief

SEOUL, June 13 (Yonhap) -- North Korea is the most urgent threat to peace and security in the world, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis was quoted as saying in Washington on Monday (local time), citing the fast pace of development of Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program.

The Pentagon chief also told a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee that North Korea's weapons of mass destruction programs are a "clear and present danger to all," according to multiple news reports.

His remarks come as North Korea has threatened to test-fire an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of striking the mainland United States.

"The regime's provocative actions, manifestly illegal under international law, have not abated despite United Nations' censure and sanctions," Mattis reportedly said in written testimony ahead of the hearing.

Pyongyang has instead continued to pursue nuclear weapons and their delivery vehicles with increased pace and scope, the secretary added.

The Pentagon has requested a more than US$50 billion increase in defense funding this year for a total of $639 billion. Mattis attended the hearing to testify on the proposal.

hague@yna.co.kr
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