North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test DURING Joe Biden’s Japan and South Korea trip, White House says
NORTH Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test during President Joe Biden's visit to Japan and South Korea, the White House said on Wednesday.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said it's a "genuine possibility" in remarks on Wednesday.
"We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan," Sullivan said.
A possible test could come within the next 48-96 hours, according to CNN. The site being observed is near Pyongyang.
North Korea resumed testing of intercontinental ballistic missiles earlier this year, but has not tested a nuclear bomb since 2017.
Earlier in May, three ballistic missiles were fired by North Korea off its east coast into the sea.
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US military and intelligence agencies believe North Korea may also be planning its first underground nuclear test in nearly five years.
North Korea is currently dealing with a massive Covid outbreak.
Biden will forego a visit to the Korean Demilitarized Zone, or DMZ, while visiting South Korea, according to new press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
Biden did visit the DMZ in 2013 while serving as vice president.
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The President will visit Asia for the first time during his presidency beginning Thursday.
Biden is first scheduled to visit South Korea to meet new President Yoon Suk Yeol.
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From there, Biden will travel to Japan on May 22 to visit Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
In Tokyo, the president will attend an in-person meeting between the United States, Japan, India, and Australia - also known as the Quad.
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