Despite fresh provocations from Pyongyang, the Biden administration is “hoping” North Korea won’t carry out what would be its seventh nuclear test and first in five years, according to a top State Department official, who says Washington is prepared to respond “appropriately” if Pyongyang moves forward with the test that U.S. intelligence has warned may be imminent.
A new nuclear test by Pyongyang would send tensions soaring in the region, and likely force the U.S. and its South Korean and Japanese allies to respond.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Mark Lambert outlined Mr. Biden’s approach in remarks Friday, during which he also asserted that the administration continues to offer to hold talks with the North Korean regime despite being repeatedly rebuffed.