TRIP COULD ‘BOMB’
US feared NK test as Biden in Seoul
The US was “prepared” for North Korea to test a missile or nuclear warhead during President Biden’s visit to South Korea, but the first two days of his Asia tour passed without a peep of provocation from the socalled hermit kingdom.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the US, South Korea and Japan had coordinated plans for a response should the North conduct a nuclear test or missile strike while Biden is in the region.
As part of a five-day visit in Asia, Biden spent Saturday meeting new South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, who took office just a week ago. At a briefing after their meeting, the two leaders said they are considering expanded joint military exercises.
An allied response
The two nations issued a joint statement that they were committed to a “rules-based international order” following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
If the exercises are expanded, it would reflect a shift for both US and South Korean policy. Trump had considered scrapping the exercises, while former South Korean President Moon Jae-in wanted dialogue with Kim.
Biden said cooperation between the US and South Korea shows “our readiness to take on all threats together.”
North Korea may respond angrily to the announcement, because it sees joint military exercises as rehearsals for an invasion. The allies portray the drills as defensive.
At the same time, the US has extended a helping hand to the North as it battles a massive coronavirus outbreak.
“Yes, we’ve offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but China as well,” Biden said. “We’re prepared to do that immediately. We’ve gotten no response.”
The president said any potential meeting with Kim would depend on whether the dictator was “sincere” and “serious.”
Meanwhile Saturday, Biden laid a wreath at Seoul National Cemetery, wearing white gloves and a somber expression, as he also burned incense and signed a guest book. Biden then greeted Suk-yeol at the People’s House for a nearly two-hour meeting followed by the news conference. The leaders capped the day with a dinner at the National Museum of Korea.