Trump National Security Aides Complete North Korea Policy Review: Official

Trump National Security Aides Complete North Korea Policy Review: Official
North Korean soldiers salute in a military vehicle carrying a missile during a parade at Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang, July 2013. REUTERS/Jason Lee
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WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump’s top national security aides have completed a broad review of U.S. options aimed at countering North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, a senior U.S. official said on Sunday.

The review, which was accelerated to have it done before Trump’s summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week, includes a range of economic and military measures but leans towards new sanctions and increased pressure on Beijing to rein in its neighbor, the official said.

The list of recommendations was put together by Trump’s National Security Council on his orders and was ready for his consideration, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

It was not immediately clear if the review had reached the Republican president’s desk or how quickly he would decide on a course of action, which could be delayed by the slow pace at which the administration is filling key national security jobs.

The White House declined comment.

White House National security adviser Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster arrives at the Pentagon in Washington, U.S., March 16, 2017. (REUTERS/Yuri Gripas)
White House National security adviser Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster arrives at the Pentagon in Washington, U.S., March 16, 2017. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas