Gen. Mattis: US Working on Diplomatic Efforts While Keeping Military Options Open

US working diplomatically with China to end North Korea's nuclear program, waiting for opportune moment to engage

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis testifies during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing in Washington on Oct. 3. Mattis testified alongside Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. DoD photo by Army Sgt. James K. McCann

There is no conflict between President Donald Trump’s tweets on the frivolity of speaking diplomatically with the North Korean regime, and the U.S. diplomatic mission to prevent North Korea from developing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, according to Defense Secretary James Mattis.

Mattis clarified the Trump administration’s diplomatic stance on North Korea during an Oct. 3 hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He said while the Department of Defense is prepared to defend the United States and its allies if needed, it also “supports fully” efforts of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to “find a diplomatic solution.”