US prepared for missile test by N Korea: Biden

Seoul, May 22 (Agency) On the last day of his three-day visit to South Korea, US President Joe Biden on Sunday said that Washington is prepared for any possible missile test by North. He said, “We are prepared for anything North Korea does. We’ve thought through how we would respond to whatever they do. I am not concerned, if that’s what you’re suggesting.” Wall Street Journal quoted White Office officials as saying that North Korea could conduct a missile test or a seventh nuclear test during Biden’s first trip to Asia as president.

The two leaders said that the countries would begin discussions to expand joint military exercises amid an increase of missile launches by North. The satellite images have also suggested preparations for a seventh nuclear test. Pyongyang has conducted over dozen missile tests this year, including a full-range intercontinental ballistic missile launch in March and a submarine-launched ballistic missile. It had last conducted a nuclear test in 2017.