US calls for China’s help over concerns North Korea may launch missile from submarine
Navy chief says two sides must address restive state’s ‘provocative and unacceptable military behaviour’
The timing of the United States’ appeal for China to provide more support in monitoring North Korea’s military activities is likely related to intelligence suggesting Pyongyang might be planning to launch a nuclear missile from a submarine, analysts said.
The situation in North Korea was one of the highlights of Thursday’s video telephone conference between the commanders of the US and Chinese navies, Admiral John Richardson, chief of US Naval Operations, told Vice Admiral Shen Jinlong, commander of the People’s Liberation Army Navy.
In a statement issued after the meeting, Richardson stressed the importance of regional maritime security and the need for China and the US to work together “to address [North Korea’s] provocative and unacceptable military behaviour”.
Beijing-based naval expert Li Jie said that while the US was making a political gesture in raising the subject through one of the most important channels for military exchanges, its timing suggested the US saw a practical need for the Chinese navy to get involved.