Vice President Mike Pence told CNN's Dana Bash the policy of "strategic patience" practiced by prior administrations in dealing with North Korea has demonstrably failed during an interview from the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on Monday.
"It was the policy of the United States of America during prior administrations to practice what they called 'strategic patience,' that was to hope to marshal international support to bring an end to the nuclear ambitions and the ballistic missile program of North Korea," Pence said. "That clearly has failed."
Bash pushed him for clarity on what policy prescriptions would be implemented in replace of strategic patience, asking if military action would be necessary.
"Well I think as the president's made clear, we're going to abandon the failed policy of strategic patience, but we're going to redouble our efforts to bring diplomatic and economic pressure to bear on North Korea," Pence responded. "Our hope is that we can resolve this issue peaceably."
The comments came shortly after North Korea tested a medium-range missile over the weekend. The missile exploded seconds after launch, according to USA Today. A United States aircraft supercarrier is currently en route to the Korean Peninsula in a show of strength.
Pence told Bash that China would need to continue to "bring pressure" on North Korea regarding its nuclear program.
"I know the president was heartened by his discussions with President Xi [Jinping]. We've seen China begin to take some actions to bring pressure on North Korea, but there needs to be more," he said.