Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump's nominee for deputy defense secretary, Stephen Feinberg, emphasized the urgent need to curb North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile programs, labeling the regime a "clear" threat to global security. Feinberg presented his views during a Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing, where he outlined North Korea's focus on expanding its nuclear weapons and missile capabilities, alongside its harmful cyber activities.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Feinberg called for enhanced missile defense systems to counter the threats posed by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). He highlighted the increasing military alignment between Pyongyang and Moscow as a significant concern and shared Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's assessment of the growing nuclear capabilities of North Korea, China, and Russia. Feinberg noted these nations' advances in warheads, delivery, and command systems, emphasizing the heightened threat to the United States and its allies.
Feinberg also addressed North Korea's recent deployment of combat forces to Russia and its enduring chemical and biological weapons capabilities. He expressed concerns about the contested space domain, pointing out that North Korea and Iran are advancing their space programs and ballistic missile capabilities. Feinberg pledged to counter hostile uses of space, while also addressing the military threats posed by China.
Discussing Chinese military developments, Feinberg warned of Beijing's capabilities aimed at exerting power in the Indo-Pacific region and denying U.S. influence. He indicated that a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan poses the greatest threat to the Pentagon, potentially harming U.S. trade, alliances, and global influence. Feinberg highlighted Chinese President Xi Jinping's goal to annex Taiwan and urged for a strengthened U.S. force posture in the region.
Feinberg, who co-founded Cerberus Capital Management and previously chaired intelligence advisory boards during Trump's first term, reiterated the necessity of addressing these security challenges if confirmed as deputy defense secretary.