U.S. Cabinet Hearing

[Anchor Lead]

At another cabinet confirmation hearing in the U.S., Secretary of State-nominee Rex Tillerson said that North Korea poses a grave threat and that tough measures are needed to deal with it. Here’s more.

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At his confirmation hearing, U.S. Secretary of State nominee Rex Tillerson clarified his thoughts about North Korea. He called the North an enemy of the U.S. and a serious threat.

[Soundbite] Rex Tillerson(U.S. Secretary of State Nominee)

Tillerson said that Washington's lukewarm response to North Korea's nuclear program has exacerbated the situation, and that Pyongyang cannot be recognized as a nuclear power nor can its nuclear proliferation be left unattended.

[Soundbite] Rex Tillerson(U.S. Secretary of State Nominee)

Tillerson also said firmly that China's empty promises aimed at avoiding the implementation of sanctions against the North are unacceptable. Tillerson also pledged to consider a secondary boycott to sanction Chinese businesses having transactions with North Korea.

[Soundbite] Rex Tillerson(U.S. Secretary of State Nominee)

The secretary of state nominee has made it clear that he would take a hard-line stance toward North Korea, China and Russia.