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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday that the United States and its allies would respond swiftly if North Korea continues with a nuclear test, but insists dialogue remains an option.
“We are in very close contact with our allies and partners, starting with the Republic of Korea – also with Japan and others – to be able to respond quickly if the North Koreans continue with such a test,” he said. Blinken reporters.
“We are prepared to make short-term and long-term adjustments to our military position, depending on the case,” he added.
Blinken reiterated that the United States has “no hostile intentions against the DPRK,” the official name of the North, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, reports REL.
“So we will continue to contact the DPRK. “We are committed to a diplomatic approach,” Blinken said.
The top US diplomat made the remarks after talks in Washington with his South Korean counterpart, officially known as the Republic of Korea, who, like Blinken, said his government was ready to negotiate with Pyongyang “without preconditions.”
“I think North Korea has now completed preparations for another nuclear test and I think only a political decision needs to be made,” said South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin.
“If North Korea undertakes another nuclear test, I think it will only strengthen our prevention and also international sanctions,” he said.
The United States tried to tighten sanctions on North Korea after testing a ballistic missile in defiance of UN resolutions, but China and Russia vetoed the Security Council.
North Korea has conducted at least 18 rounds of weapons tests this year, showcasing the development of its nuclear missile arsenal.
In the latest test, North Korea launched eight medium-range ballistic missiles, a day after South Korea and the United States completed joint military exercises.
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