US Security Advisor "Concern Over North Korea's 7th Nuclear Test... China Must Play a Role"

Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Advisor, expressed concern on the 16th (local time) about the possibility of North Korea conducting its 7th nuclear test and stated that the U.S. is ready to engage in dialogue with North Korea without preconditions. In this process, he also called for China’s role. During his recent visit to China, he mentioned that he expects President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping to have an opportunity for a summit soon.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

On the same day, Sullivan appeared on CBS’s Face the Nation and said, "We have been concerned about the possibility of North Korea conducting its 7th nuclear test," adding, "We remain concerned." He noted, "We have not yet seen immediate signs related to a nuclear test," but said, "It would not be surprising if North Korea conducts another test to enhance its intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capabilities." He continued, "North Korea has been conducting such tests for years," emphasizing, "We are closely monitoring this. We are working very closely with allies such as South Korea and Japan to respond to these threats accordingly."

Sullivan’s remarks came after North Korea launched the solid-fueled ICBM Hwasong-18 last week. He said, "Not after this test, but the Biden administration has continuously indicated its readiness to sit down and talk with North Korea about its nuclear program without preconditions."

He also called for China’s role. He stated, "We have clearly told China that the U.S. is ready for diplomacy, but North Korea is not," emphasizing, "China should play a role here considering its relationship with North Korea." He added, "Frankly speaking, North Korea’s nuclear provocations only create a situation where the U.S. and its allies strengthen our posture to respond to the threat." Earlier, Kim Yo-jong, Vice Director of the Workers' Party of Korea, claimed in a statement released through the Korean Central News Agency that the ICBM launch was "a justifiable right of self-defense to thoroughly suppress and crush the most hostile and threatening U.S. anti-Republic nuclear confrontation policy, protecting the Korean Peninsula and the Asia-Pacific region from the devastation of nuclear war."

Regarding whether President Biden is expected to have a conversation with President Xi soon, Sullivan responded to the first question, "There is nothing to announce today, but I expect it someday." He described U.S.-China relations as "big, complex, and challenging," adding, "They must be carefully managed and can be effectively conducted at the top (between the two leaders)." Accordingly, he explained that dialogue between the two leaders is essential.

When asked if China’s recent decision to halt exports of gallium and germanium from August 1 for national security reasons is retaliation against U.S. advanced technology sanctions, he said, "I cannot get inside the minds of Chinese decision-makers," calling it a "self-destructive measure." He evaluated China’s export suspension by saying, "Many countries around the world are strengthening decisions to enhance their supply chain resilience to eliminate risks and reduce dependency." However, he reaffirmed the position that "we have no intention of ending trade with China," and that regulations apply only to technologies related to national security.

Additionally, Sullivan clearly stated that the recent hacking of U.S. government agency email accounts by China-based hackers was an "intrusion into the Microsoft (MS) cloud system." He said, "It was the U.S. government that confirmed the intrusion, alerted MS, and blocked it," adding, "We are taking measures to ensure this is not a vulnerability that will happen again." When asked if the U.S. would raise the issue with China, he replied, "There is no reason to dispute what MS says."

On the same day, Sullivan reaffirmed this stance on ABC News, saying, "A comprehensive investigation is underway." When asked if it was the work of China, he said, "MS said it was China’s work, and I do not know more than that."

Regarding the war in Ukraine, he said, "It is unpredictable what Putin (Russian President Vladimir Putin) will do," but added, "We are preparing for any scenario and working closely with Ukraine." Sullivan also addressed the NATO summit held last week, noting that unlike Ukraine’s expectations, the timing of NATO membership was not clearly defined. He said, "We will ensure Ukraine receives as much support as it needs," adding, "Within NATO, we have said Ukraine’s future is in NATO. That is sincere. It is not a matter for negotiation." He further added, "We will continue to apply economic pressure on Russia, and Ukraine will continue to apply military pressure on Russia."

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