North Korea may test nuclear weapons over the weekend

South Korea’s Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo said North Korea is likely to test-fire an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) over the weekend, a move that would violate South Korean resolutions. United Nations Security Council.

Kim’s comments come amid speculation about North Korea’s actions while President Joe Biden visits South Korea from May 20-22 and Japan from May 22-24.

In preparation for any action North Korea might take, Seoul and Washington prepared a plan to change Biden’s schedule. However, Mr. Kim did not disclose the specific changes.

South Korea’s deputy national security adviser added that Biden may not visit the demilitarized zone between the two Koreas, although the White House has revealed that the US President is considering the plan.

On May 17, CNN Citing a US official, North Korea may be preparing to conduct an ICBM test within the next 48-96 hours.

“The intelligence agencies of South Korea and the United States are closely monitoring relevant developments, while firmly maintaining a preparedness posture.“, the US official said.

This is US President Joe Biden’s first visit to Asia since taking office in January 2021.

According to experts, during this visit, Mr. Biden is likely to push Japan and South Korea to deeply engage with the US Indo-Pacific Strategy and call on these countries to increase pressure. to Russia and China.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has vowed to respond more firmly to North Korea’s “provocative actions”, he also expressed his desire for the US to strengthen its “expanded deterrence capacity” in the region.

In addition, Seoul has asked the US to deploy more “strategic assets” with nuclear capabilities such as long-range bombers, submarines and aircraft carriers.