US: Possibility of North Korean Missile Launches and Nuclear Tests Before and After Biden's Visit to South Korea

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] The White House stated on the 18th (local time) that there is a possibility that North Korea may conduct missile launches or nuclear tests around the time of U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea and Japan.

Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Advisor, said at a briefing that day, "We have clear intelligence indicating the possibility that North Korea may carry out additional missile or nuclear tests, including long-range missiles, during or after President Biden's visit to South Korea and Japan."

President Biden will visit South Korea and Japan consecutively from the 20th to the 24th. In South Korea, he will hold a summit with President Yoon Seok-yeol and meet with business leaders. In Japan, he will host the Quad summit, a security consultation body involving Japan, Australia, and India aimed at countering China. Advisor Sullivan explained that through this first Indo-Pacific visit, President Biden will have the opportunity to strengthen security alliances with South Korea and Japan and deepen economic partnerships.

He added, "We are prepared for any emergencies, including the possibility of provocations by North Korea during President Biden's visit," and said, "We are closely coordinating with both allies, South Korea and Japan. We are also in dialogue with China, and discussed this issue during a call today with our Chinese partner Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party."

Furthermore, he stated, "We are certainly prepared to make the necessary short- and long-term military readiness adjustments to assure our allies that we provide sufficient defense and deterrence," adding, "We will respond to any provocations by North Korea."