Tighter alliance between South Korea and the United States on security to up deterrence against “all contingencies” related to North Korea and economy amid global supply instability will make up the primary purpose of the first state visit by U.S. President Joe Biden who would be heading first to Samsung Electronics’ chip plant upon arriving in Korea and skipping the usual stop to the demilitarized zone.

“With respect to the issue of North Korea, we’ve said from this podium, … that our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile tests – including a long-range missile test or a nuclear test or, frankly, both – in the days leading into, on, or after the President’s trip to the region,” said National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan during a press briefing at the White House on Wednesday.

“We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan.”

Sullivan also mentioned the U.S. is seeking long-term security strengthening measures.

“We are prepared, obviously, to make both short- and longer-term adjustments to our military posture as necessary to ensure that we are providing both defense and deterrence to our allies in the region and that we’re responding to any North Korean provocation,” he said.

U.S. President Biden’s first trip to Asia since taking office last year is focused on security and economy, mainly to solidify national security system against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats and strengthen joint front in the Indo-Pacific region against the rise of China.

North Korea so far this year has fired 16 missile tests including an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) placing the mainland U.S. under target. The regime may test another ICBM, sources noted, and may have completed preparation for a 7th nuclear test.

The U.S. has confirmed several times on the possibility of North Korea resuming its nuclear test as early as this month.

The White House confirmed a visit to demilitarized zone (DMZ), a ritual of U.S. presidents when visiting Korea, won’t be excluded in the itinerary.

Biden instead would be making a visit to Samsung Electronics’ chip plant on the day he arrives in Korea, underscoring the new type of alliance the U.S. is seeking from tech-strong Korea.

By Pulse

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