The White House Expresses Concern Over North Korea's Ongoing Missile Tests

Jake Sullivan, the White House National Security Advisor, said on Sunday that the Biden administration remains concerned that North Korea may conduct another intercontinental ballistic missile test. In an interview with CBS, Sullivan stated, "I have been worried for some time that North Korea will conduct its seventh nuclear test." He added, "I don't see any signs that this will happen at the moment, but it shouldn't be surprising if North Korea conducts another test given its intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities." In June, North Korea launched two short-range missiles off its eastern coast while Sullivan was meeting with his Japanese and South Korean counterparts in Tokyo. A spokesperson for North Korea's Ministry of National Defense had stated at that time that the military exercises of South Korea and the United States escalate military tensions in the region, and the country's forces would respond to "any kind of provocation or aggression from enemies." North Korea's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs are prohibited by United Nations Security Council resolutions that have imposed sanctions on the country. Diplomatic talks aimed at reducing tensions or convincing Pyongyang to halt its nuclear and missile programs have stalled. In response to North Korea's missile launch, the U.S. held joint naval exercises with its Asian allies. South Korea has called on China to address the threats posed by North Korea. The U.S., Japan, and South Korea condemned North Korea's ballistic missile launch.