‘N.K. biggest threat to US,’ says Asia-Pacific commander

Harry Harris Jr., 59, the new commander of the U.S. Asia Pacific Command that is in charge of the Korean Peninsula, said on Monday, “The biggest threat that we are facing today is North Korea, and I have difficulties sleeping tight at night due to North Korea.” The first Asian American to assume the commander of the U.S. Asia-Pacific Command, Harris made the remarks when asked what he is afraid of the most, and what blocks him sleeping tight at night’ in an interview with the Time magazine that was issued on the day.

He said, “There is a leader in North Korea who seeks to attack South Korea and Japan, which are (U.S.) allies,” adding, “He (Kim Jong Un) is attempting to possess nuclear weapons and means that will enable the North to send nuclear weapons over the continent,” in expressing concern. He went on to say, “We should always keep in mind that he (Kim Jong Un) is killing people around him who fail to follow his instructions,” referring to successive purging of the North’s power elite, including its Defense Minister Hyon Yong Chol.

On China that is creating tension in the South China Sea in recent months including the construction of a manmade island, Commander Harris said, “I am critical of China’s provocative actions, including unilateral declaration of a new Air Defense Identification Zone,” adding, “Such acts that are not compatible with international laws and rules are causing anxiety to neighboring countries, while creating tension and damaging peace in the region.”

Introducing the story of his father who was stationed in South Korea and Japan as a U.S. Marine solider during the Second World War, and his Japanese-born mother, Harris said, “My father participated in the Korean War, and I grew up with deep understanding of Korean culture,” emphasizing her close relationship with South Korea.

He made the remarks, saying, “I expect my background (with Japanese mother) will also be helpful to advancing important relationship between South Korea and another ally (Japan).”