A former high-ranking U.S. Defense Department official says North Korea is using nuclear and missile tests not only as a negotiating card but also as a way to threaten the U.S. and its allies.

Elaine Bunn, former deputy assistant secretary for nuclear and missile defense policy, made the remarks in a forum hosted by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies on Wednesday. She said it is true that the North is focusing its efforts on developing capabilities to make its nuclear weapons reach even the U.S. mainland.
 
Bunn said that now is an appropriate time to review the South Korea-U.S. alliance amid persistent North Korean nuclear and missile threats, China’s rise as a regional power and inconsistent messages from the new U.S. administration.

While noting that South Korea went ahead with a decision to host a THAAD antimissile system to cope with North Korea's threats despite China's strong opposition, she added that it should be deployed as early as possible.

[Photo : ]