The 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea and the subsequent olive branch extended by North Korea, to South Korea. had raised hopes of a peaceful settlement to the problem in the Korean peninsula. The Games are drawing to an end but signs of renewed tension have emerged. Kim Jong-Un has once again threatened to launch a nuclear attack on the United States and the Pentagon wants additional funds, to the tune of nearly $686 billion, in order to prepare a defense.

Express UK reports that in view of the threat of nuclear strikes on the mainland, the Pentagon wants a boost in spending towards defense needs.

Efforts are currently underway to bring back experts who have retired from the service and there have been moves to recruit people who are fluent in the Korean language.

There could be cyber attacks

In view of these new threats, there are fears that North Korea could resort to cyber warfare. Therefore, the authorities in the United States are trying to induct the best available talent in hacking and virtual warfare to guard the major systems that could be targeted by Pyongyang.

President Donald Trump wants to augment the strength of the military on all fronts. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has also said that the doors are always open for having meaningful diplomatic dialogue. However, Pyongyang insists that America wants to precipitate a situation that would lead to a confrontation with nuclear weapons.

Kim’s regime has warned that such tactics would be disastrous.

The United States is an ally of South Korea and must keep in mind the safety of that country and its people. American warships are maintaining a constant vigil on the peninsula and there is the THAAD missile defense system in Seoul, but it will be in the line of fire if hostilities break out.

South Korea is cautious

President Moon Jae-in of South Korea is cautious. He had played a key role in bringing North Korea to the 2018 Winter Olympics, and it did help to break barriers and bring about a message of peace in the Korean peninsula. He has to ensure that the momentum is not lost.

According to CNN, a high-level delegation from the North has extended an invitation to Moon Jae-in to visit Pyongyang for talks with Kim Jong-un.

This was interpreted as a diplomatic breakthrough but Moon is treading cautiously. In his opinion, a dialogue between the two Koreas should come first and it should be between the United States and North Korea, with denuclearization at the top of the list of things to discuss.