August 9, 2017

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday gave a harsh warning to North Korea that if it makes more threats to the US, "they will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen." A few hours later, Pyongyang responded by saying that it is examining its operational plans for attacking Guam. US B-1B bombers flew over the Korean Peninsula from Anderson Air Force Base on Guam.

This is the latest escalation of the war of words between Washington and Pyongyang. The US can't usually gain the upper hand in this war of words, as Pyongyang chooses whatever wording it likes, and what Washington says may not be heard by North Korean society. But US opinion has paid great attention to everything North Korea says.

There is a huge gap between Washington and Pyongyang in terms of strength. As the weak side, it seems logical for Pyongyang to utter harsh words to make up for its lack of strength. But even if North Korea masters the mature technology of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), it would be surprising if Pyongyang actively launched a strike against the US. The verbal menace from North Korea seems meant to enhance its own deterrence.

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