PEACE imminent in North Korea as U.S. pulls back from military option

Peace will be short lived, as China and the U.S. prepare for the inevitable.

Today is the day World War 3 could start, but most experts think it is unlikely. While North Korea is likely to go ahead with a planned nuclear test today, or within the coming days, the United States has been asked by nearly all parties to show restraint. And it may be in America's interest and plans to do so.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) -- Here is what we know as of 9 AM PDT, on April 14.

Today is North Korea's "Day of the Sun" (April 15 in that country). A large military parade and military tests mark the occasion.

North Korea is ready to test a nuclear weapon in a specially prepared tunnel. The test could occur at any time.

China has warned North Korea not to perform the test. Additional warnings have come from South Korea and the United States. China's warning will probably have the most impact as North Korea relies heavily on China for all its trade.

The U.S. has announced that it is planning to pursue a tough diplomatic course, consistent with UN resolutions. If North Korea tests a nuclear weapon or new long-range missile, new sanctions will be imposed on the state. China has a lackluster record of cooperation, but may cooperate this time since its interests now face a direct and imminent threat. President Trump has quickly cultivated a strong, forceful reputation.

Reports the U.S. has posted two destroyers within easy strike distance of North Korea have been dismissed as untrue by officials.

The USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and its strike group have announced they will soon return to their routine schedule, in a message to families of the sailors. The message is a hint that no military action is under serious consideration at this time.

Japanese officials have drawn plans for emergency evacuations of large numbers of people, should it become necessary.

About 600,000 people have been ordered removed from the North Korean capital of Pyongyang, referred to as an evacuation by some and construed as a preparation for war. However, reporters in North Korea say the order is to remove poor from the city, described as "undesirables" by the regime. The move makes room for more loyalists to move in and helps the regime consolidate power.

China has deployed 150,000 troops to the border with North Korea, to aid the expected flood of refugees expected by war, should the situation spiral out of control.

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At this time, war appears to be averted even if North Korea tests a nuclear weapon. North Korea does not yet have the ability to deliver a nuclear warhead to the United States, a development that would trigger war at any cost. Experts think North Korea is still two to three years away from such capability.

By pulling back, President Trump buys time for the military to develop detailed plans to deal with North Korea. The U.S. will benefit from these improved plans.

It also gives China time to find a way to deal with the North. The Chinese could develop a new understanding with Kim Jong Un, they could depose him, or take over their country altogether. Any course is likely preferable to a conflict that would see western powers occupy the country.

For now, peace appears imminent, but it will not last. Sometime within the next year to three years, when North Korea will have the capability of nuking the United States, something will have to change, dramatically.

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