US Official "Concerns Over Possible Resumption of North Korea's Nuclear and ICBM Tests... Urges Dialogue"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] A senior official of the U.S. Biden administration expressed concern over North Korea's intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) test launch, fearing the possibility of North Korea resuming nuclear tests and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test launches, and urged North Korea to engage in dialogue without any preconditions.

According to major foreign media on the 30th (local time), the senior official referred to North Korea's IRBM test launch the previous day and mentioned concerns that North Korea might not only resume ICBM test launches but also end the nuclear test moratorium.

The official pointed out that North Korea's IRBM show of force violates United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions and international law, and assessed that it is increasingly destabilizing the situation. He said, "A response is necessary," and added, "You will see us take some measures designed to demonstrate our commitment to our allies."

However, the official emphasized, "At the same time, we reiterate the call for diplomacy," and stated, "We are very seriously prepared to attempt discussions addressing the concerns of both sides." He reiterated, "I believe the start of serious discussions is completely appropriate and right."

The remarks from the U.S. official came immediately after North Korea announced the success of its IRBM test launch. Following the IRBM test launch on the 30th Korean time, North Korea's Korean Central News Agency confirmed the successful test launch of the Hwasong-12 type verification firing. The missile launched this time has the longest range among missiles North Korea has launched since 2017.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.