North Korea may perform a missile or nuclear test near or during President Biden’s visit to the region, according to the Biden administration.
According to White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan, such tests before, during, or after Biden’s scheduled Asia trip are a “real possibility,” according to US intelligence.
“Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test or, frankly, both in the days leading into, on, or after the president’s trip to the region,” Sullivan spoke.
“We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or Japan,” he added.
Sullivan said US officials are collaborating with partners in the region, and that the topic came up during his discussion with China’s top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, earlier Wednesday.
On Thursday, Biden will depart for his trip to Asia. He’ll begin his trip in South Korea, where he’ll meet with President Yoon Seok-youl, and then go to Japan, where he’ll meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Biden will also attend a summit of the Quad Alliance, which comprises the United States, Japan, Australia, and India.
Sullivan did not elaborate on the intelligence assessment of North Korea’s danger, which has undertaken many ballistic missile tests in recent months. On May 4, the most recent test launch was reported.
