TOKYO _ U.S. President Donald Trump said he sees the chance of a "major, major conflict" with North Korea over its nuclear program, though he prefers a diplomatic solution, according to an interview with Reuters.
"There is a chance that we could end up having a major, major conflict with North Korea. Absolutely," Trump told Reuters. "We'd love to solve things diplomatically but it's very difficult." He praised President Xi Jinping for pressing North Korea _ China's neighbor and ally _ saying he is "trying very hard."
Trump spoke as U.S. national security leaders emphasized economic sanctions and diplomacy to persuade North Korea to dismantle its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, even as the Pentagon ramps up its military presence in the region with an aircraft carrier battle group and submarine.
