US officials: North Korean attack on warship was ‘act of war,’ US won’t back down on penalties

US officials: Korea warship attack an ‘act of war’

WASHINGTON — Senior administration officials say North Korea’s alleged attack on a South Korean warship last March was an “act of war” and vow not to back down on tough international sanctions.

Officials from the Defense and State departments told a Senate committee on Thursday that North Korea may have been trying to rattle the international community and goad it into making concessions in future talks about its nuclear program.

Wallace Gregson, assistant secretary of defense for Asian and Pacific security affairs, said the U.S. wants to see “meaningful actions” by North Korea before international talks are resumed.

International investigators blame North Korea for sinking the warship and killing 46 South Korean sailors. North Korea denies any involvement.