Victor Cha: "North Korea May Conduct Military Provocation Around US Memorial Day"

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] There are claims that North Korea may carry out a military provocation during the Memorial Day holiday weekend on the 30th.

Victor Cha, Deputy Director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), stated at a CSIS forum on the 23rd (local time), "We believe we will see North Korea's military provocation during the Memorial Day weekend."

Having served as the Director for Asian Affairs at the White House National Security Council (NSC) under the George W. Bush administration, he said, "North Korea loves American national holidays," adding, "When I worked in the government, North Korea used to carry out all provocations on July 4th, the US Independence Day." Previously, in 2017, North Korea described the test launch of the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)-class 'Hwasong-14' as a 'gift.'

This year, North Korea's nuclear and missile provocations have continued. In response, the White House warned of the possibility of North Korea conducting a nuclear test or ICBM provocation during US President Joe Biden's visits to South Korea and Japan this month and stated that it would respond accordingly.

Sumi Terry, Director of the Asia Program at the Woodrow Wilson Center, also expressed concerns about the possibility of North Korea conducting a tactical nuclear test or ICBM test during President Biden's visit to South Korea, but noted that it did not occur, emphasizing the likelihood of additional provocations soon.

Meanwhile, at the forum, Deputy Director Cha placed great significance on the first summit between President Yoon Seok-yeol and President Biden, highlighting the importance of their initial meeting. He said, "At the end of the visit, President Biden said, 'I like you and trust you,' which seems to be the core of this meeting," suggesting that trust between the two leaders is paramount in the Korea-US alliance. He also evaluated this Asia tour as a message from the Biden administration to China.