U.S., South Korea commanders affirm 'ironclad' alliance, urge North Korea denuclearization

SEOUL, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- The United States' top military commander in South Korea said war with North Korea ought to be avoided, but preparations must be made in the case of a worst-case scenario.

U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Vincent K. Brooks made the remarks during a meeting with Seoul's joint chiefs Chairman Gen. Lee Sun-jin in Guam on Tuesday, Yonhap reported.

After a tour of the strategic weapons including the B-1 strategic bomber, and nuclear submarines capable of launching ballistic missiles, Brooks said the United States would demonstrate its capabilities at sea, in air and along the coasts of the Korean peninsula if North Korea crosses a line and triggers crisis, according to the report.

"The visit underscores the commitment of the [United States] and [South] Korea to strengthen their ironclad alliance and continue to broaden the combined defense posture necessary to respond to North Korea's continued aggressive behavior," read a statement issued by USFK.

Lee urged North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons and warned Pyongyang of consequences if it did not suspend its programs that are in violation of international law.

Lee also told reporters in Guam the two sides must focus efforts on finding ways to break Kim Jong Un's determination to proliferate weapons.

In a separate meeting in South Korea between U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein and South Korea's Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Jeong Kyung-doo, the two sides discussed ways to strengthen air force capabilities.

Jeong requested U.S. cooperation in improving on projects related to the "three-axis system" of defense and specifically related to F-35 stealth fighters, high-altitude unmanned reconnaissance aircraft and KF-16 fighter jets, local news service CBS No Cut news reported.

North Korea's multiple provocations in 2016 have raised tensions on the peninsula.