Most Americans oppose preemptive strike on DPRK: Poll

An overwhelming majority of US citizens oppose a preemptive strike on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and trust US military leaders instead of President Donald Trump to handle the nuclear crisis responsibly, a poll revealed on Sunday.

According to the Washington Post-ABC News poll, 67 per cent of US citizens believe that the US should launch a military strike on the DPRK only if the country first attacks them and their allies.

As to their confidence in Trump on solving the DPRK nuclear issue, 37 per cent of US citizens trust Trump either "a great deal" or "a good amount" to handle the issue in a responsible way, with 42 per cent saying that they trust Trump "not at all", Xinhua reported.

In comparison, 72 per cent of US citizens trust US military leaders on the DPRK issue, including 43 per cent saying that they trust them "a great deal."

Trump on Tuesday threatened in a speech at the UN General Assembly that the US "will have no choice than to totally destroy" the country if forced to defend itself or its allies.

After the threat, the DPRK said it might test a hydrogen bomb in the Pacific Ocean.

China on Friday urged all relevant parties to avoid any action that may increase tension on the Korean Peninsula.

"The current situation on the peninsula is severe and complicated," Foreign Minister spokesperson Lu Kang said.

"Only if all sides bear their due responsibilities, can the peninsula nuclear issue be truly resolved and peace and stability restored to the region," he added.

The DPRK knows well that China opposes its development of nuclear weapons and nuclear tests, Lu said.

"What parties concerned should do now is to strictly and comprehensively implement UN Security Council resolutions and make positive efforts to resolve the issue through dialogue.

"China opposes unilateral sanctions imposed by any country outside the framework of the UN Security Council," Lu said.

--IANS

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