US State Department "Concerns Over North Korea's Possible 7th Nuclear Test Soon"

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] The Biden administration expressed concern on the 6th (local time) about the possibility of North Korea conducting its 7th nuclear test.

According to the State Department, Ned Price, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, stated at a briefing that "We are concerned that North Korea may conduct its 7th nuclear test soon," adding that this is a "long-standing concern." Price said, "This is an urgent situation, and we are prepared for it," and added, "There have been unified discussions among allies on this issue."

Earlier, Daniel Kritenbrink, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, also mentioned in his keynote speech at the 'Korea-U.S. Strategic Forum' hosted by the Korea Foundation (KF) and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) that "We are thoroughly focused on defending the United States, South Korea, Japan, and other allies from regional threats, including North Korea's nuclear and missile threats."

He pointed out, "Our goal is the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, but unfortunately, North Korea has clearly accelerated ballistic missile tests since last year, including just a few days ago," and added, "This is a violation of UN Security Council resolutions and an act that undermines the security of the Indo-Pacific region and the international community as a whole."

Meanwhile, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), announced on the same day that signs of preparations for a nuclear test were detected at Punggye-ri in Kilju County, North Hamgyong Province, North Korea. He warned, "We have observed signs that one of the tunnels at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site has been reopened," adding, "This could be preparation for a nuclear test."