Could this be true? President Barack Obama actually admitted, on tape, that a defiant and nuclear-ambitious North Korea is a grave threat to the world? (Source)

Speaking yesterday at a press conference in the Rose Garden, Obama said the U.S. and its allies will play sanctions hardball with North Korea.” We are more than willing to engage in negotiations to get North Korea on a path of peaceful coexistence with its neighbors, and we want to encourage their prosperity. But belligerent, provocative behavior that threatens neighbors will be met with significant and serious enforcement of sanctions that are in place.”

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak listened at his own podium. His expressed confidence that North Korea could be contained, especially if the U.S. is determined to do so.” They will think twice about taking any measures that they will regret.”

North Korea conducted a nuclear test and launched at least five short-range missiles last month. Despite condemnation, the rogue state threatened more tests and launches. The Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea called South Korea “puppets” for taking North Korea’s actions seriously and sending warships to the maritime border along with ours.

The U.N. Security Council’s recommended sanctions against North Korea include an arms embargo and ship searches. North Korea has threatened war if its ships are stopped and searched.

President Barack Obama will order the Navy to inspect North Korean ships that might be carrying weapons. The rogue state has already threatened war if its ships are stopped for inspection.

The New York Times reports that these proposed inspections are “the most confrontational approach taken by the United States in dealing with North Korea in years” and likely would raise tension; however, North Korea is doing that all by itself with defiant nuclear tests and missile launches. The U.S. should focus on stopping North Korea in its tracks and not worry about “escalating tensions.”

The president will spend today with South Korean president Lee Myung-bak to discuss North Korea’s actions. The U.S. will also work with China, Japan, and Russia to keep North Korea in check.