When the Korean War broke out, the United States sent troops halfway across the globe to protect the freedom of the South Koreans. In this they were successful but when we tried to the cross the border into North Korea, China entered the war; because of this, we were fought back to our original position, leaving the peninsula divided.
Again, we are faced with a violent and resurgent North Korea, but this time, the situation is different. China has changed its long held stance of "unconditional support" for North Korea and condemns its act of violence. With this changed dynamic, a military response by the West is once possible. The United States still maintains bases in South Korea and a navy nearby on retaliation on Australia's behalf would be immediate and at will.
Still, renewed war remains a slim possibility. The single largest predicting factor is North Korea's nuclear arsenal. The main goal of the United States and the rest of the world should be to keep their heads screwed on and the bombs grounded.
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