“Our concerns about the possibility of another nuclear test by North Korea, which will be its seventh, have been around for some time,” Price said in a daily press briefing, addressing North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. remains constant. We assess how the DPRK is preparing its Pungye-ri test site for what will be its seventh test.’ “We are preparing for all contingencies in close coordination with our partners around the world,” he said.
Deputy Foreign Minister on a visit to Japan
The spokesman said that the steps to be taken by the US could include “adjustments” to the US defense posture. The remarks came as Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman began a three-day visit to Japan earlier in the day for bilateral and trilateral talks with her South Korean and Japanese counterparts. Price said that much of Sherman’s ongoing visit to Tokyo will be “dedicated to discussing the DPRK’s challenge to the region.”
‘We do not intend to enmity’
The department spokesman also reiterated the US commitment to engaging in dialogue with North Korea. “We have consistently clarified that we have no hostile intentions towards the DPRK,” he said. We are open for talks. We are open to diplomacy. “At the same time, our commitment to protecting our personnel in the region is an ironclad for our treaty allies,” Price said.
