US intelligence speaks ahead of President Biden’s Asia visit

A day before President Biden’s trip, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on May 18: “Our intelligence sources say North Korea is likely to conduct a missile testing, not excluding long-range missiles; or nuclear testing; or testing both before, during, or after the president’s trip to Asia.”

Radio CNN The same day, citing a confidential source, confirmed that a series of satellite images showed preparations were underway at a weapons test site near Pyongyang.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said North Korea could “welcome” President Joe Biden with a missile launch. Photo: Reuters

According to the newspaper The GuardianPresident Biden’s visit was made partly to signal that he has not forgotten America’s strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific, even as Washington is focused on resolving issues related to the Indo-Pacific. Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The visit was described as evidence that the US continues to make new moves to fulfill its pivot to Asia, where China’s economic and military influence is growing.

Counselor Sullivan rejected the idea that the war in Ukraine is distracting the Biden administration from the above mission.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that President Biden is expected to visit South Korea on May 19 to hold talks with new President Yoon Suk-yeol. Mr. Biden will not go to the demilitarized zone between South Korea and North Korea.

President Biden is then scheduled to visit Japan on May 22 to attend the Quad Summit, which includes Japan, the US, Australia and India.

US President Joe Biden’s Asia tour begins on May 19. Photo: The New York Times

Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) decided to step up its defense strategy in the Indo-Pacific because of concerns related to China’s growing influence, as well as the impact of the Russian conflict. – Ukraine towards the global order.

“Our manifesto has always been to cooperate when possible, but to be ready to act when necessary to protect our interests. This declaration is not aimed at any particular country but is the foundation on which we strengthen our capabilities. and reputation in the matter of protecting interests,” said Mr. Gabriele Visentin, EU special envoy for the Indo-Pacific.

According to Mr. Visentin, there is no evidence that an armed conflict is brewing in the region, but the EU is concerned that the “rules-based multilateral order will not be fully respected”.

EU Special Envoy to the Indo-Pacific Gabriele Visentin. Photo: Twitter