Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee held a hearing examining north korea policy. Specifically on ramping up pressure against china. Acting secretary of state for east asia and pacific affairs, Susan Thornton offered her thoughts to the committee. This hearing will come to order. Let me welcome you all to the fifth hearing for the senate Foreign Relations subcommittee on east asia, the pacific and International Cybersecurity policy in the 115th congress on behalf of the committee i apologize for the delay in the beginning of this hearing to the witnesses who have been here time away from work as well as those attending the hearing today. The action on the floor including the return of senator mccain. Ing a very poignant moment for the senate. I would like to welcome all to todays hearing. North korea has emerged as the most Urgent National security challenge for the u. S. United states and allies in east asia. Secretary mattis has said north korea is the most urgent hand dangerous thr