US Maintains "Agile Readiness" Amid Concerns of North Korean Provocations During Biden's Visit

John Kirby, U.S. Department of Defense Spokesperson
Photo by AP Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] On the 19th (local time), the U.S. Department of Defense stated that it is maintaining a swift readiness posture regarding the possibility of provocations by North Korea during President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea and Japan.

John Kirby, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense, said at a briefing that in response to questions about U.S. security concerns during President Biden's visit, "Jake Sullivan, the White House National Security Council (NSC) advisor, explained yesterday that they are predicting and monitoring the fact that North Korea could do something, whether it be a missile launch or a nuclear test, while the President is in the theater."

The previous day, Advisor Sullivan emphasized, "We have clear intelligence indicating the possibility that North Korea may conduct additional missile launches, including long-range missiles, or nuclear tests during or after President Biden's visits to South Korea and Japan," adding, "We are prepared for all emergencies, including the possibility of such provocations."

Spokesperson Kirby said, "Security issues are always a concern during the President's overseas visits, and Indo-Pacific security has long been a priority," adding, "That is precisely why we consider China the foremost challenge we face." He continued, "That is why, before the President's visit, we ensured a swift posture regarding the possibility of North Korean provocations and spoke about it," concluding, "I will not provide further details."