The US State Department said it was preparing for all contingencies with allies regarding the possibility of North Korea’s seventh nuclear test. He also expressed his willingness to continue to engage with China to counter the North Korean threat. Reporter Jo Eun-jeong reports.
The US State Department said it was seeking various measures with its allies while keeping an eye on the possibility of additional North Korean nuclear tests.
On the 30th, a State Department spokesperson expressed this view in response to VOA’s request for comment on South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol’s comments that “response to North Korea’s seventh nuclear test includes a response that has not been taken so far.”
[국무부 대변인] “A return to nuclear testing would be a significant increase and a serious threat to regional and global stability and security. We are preparing for all contingencies in close cooperation with our Japanese and ROK allies. Furthermore, we are prepared to make short-term and longer-term adjustments to our military posture as appropriate in response to any DPRK provocation, and as necessary to strengthen defense and deterrence to protect our allies in the region . “
“A return to nuclear testing is an act of significant progress and would pose a serious threat to regional and global stability and security,” a State Department spokesman said.
“We are preparing for all contingencies in close cooperation with our allies Japan and South Korea,” he said. We are prepared to make appropriate adjustments.”
Regarding the recent mention by President Biden and President Yoon of the ‘China role theory’ in relation to preventing North Korean provocations, the State Department emphasized that North Korea’s responsible actions are also beneficial to China.
[국무부 대변인] “In his November 14 meeting with President Xi in Bali, President Biden raised concerns about the provocative behavior of the DPRK. He noted that all members of the international community, including the PRC, have an interest in encouraging the DPRK to act responsibly. We remain open to engaging with the PRC to manage the threat posed by the DPRK.”
A State Department spokesperson said, “President Biden raised concerns about North Korea’s provocative behavior during a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Bali, Indonesia on the 14th.”
“President Biden also mentioned that encouraging North Korea to act responsibly is in the interest of all countries in the international community, including China,” he said.
“We are open to continued engagement with China to counter the threat posed by North Korea,” a State Department spokesman said.
In a press interview on the 29th, South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol said, “China has sufficient capabilities to significantly influence North Korea and has responsibilities in the international community.” He said it would lead to an influx of military assets into the region.
This is Cho Eun-jung from VOA News.
