US White House Expresses Concern "North Korea Nuclear Test Possible Anytime"

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] The White House on the 18th (local time) expressed concern over the possibility of a nuclear test, stating that North Korea, which launched a long-range missile presumed to be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), "whether it is a failure or a partial success, learns every time and North Korea's (nuclear and missile) program is advancing."

According to the White House, John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council (NSC), said in a Zoom briefing that day, "This is why we are concerned."

When asked about North Korea's nuclear and missile capabilities, Coordinator Kirby said, "I will not go into intelligence assessments of the nuclear program," but added, "North Korea has conducted nuclear tests, and we have said that North Korea can conduct additional nuclear tests at any time." He further stated, "We know that North Korea's nuclear program is advancing and that its ballistic missile program is improving."

Coordinator Kirby also said, "The missile North Korea launched just before is not seen as a threat to the U.S. mainland," but added, "However, this should not be misunderstood. We are deeply concerned about the threat that North Korea's (nuclear and missile) program poses to the region and the international community." He emphasized, "This is why we continue to strengthen government collection capabilities in the region and maintain readiness and capabilities from a military perspective."

Coordinator Kirby pointed out, "Despite North Korea's continued provocations, we are willing to sit down unconditionally and work towards negotiations for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," but noted, "North Korea has not responded to or engaged with such proposals." When asked whether there is direct communication between North Korea and the U.S., he replied, "There is no direct dialogue with North Korea on this matter."

On the same day, the State Department also condemned North Korea's successive provocations and urged China to take responsible actions to restrain them.

Vedant Patel, Senior Deputy Spokesperson of the State Department, said in a briefing that day, "China has a clear responsibility to make it clear that it should not be involved in North Korea's illegal nuclear or ballistic missile tests," emphasizing, "We must work together to restrain North Korea's illegal missile and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) development." He added, "It is very clear that the U.S. goal is the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," and said, "We are prepared for serious and sustainable diplomacy."

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