▲ Punggye-ri nuclear test site
The US State Department announced on the 6th (local time) that North Korea is likely to conduct a seventh nuclear test within this month.
When asked about North Korea's readiness for a nuclear test at a press briefing on the same day, State Department deputy spokeswoman Jeolina Porter said, "The United States estimates that North Korea is preparing the Punggye-ri nuclear test site, and that it will be ready to test there as early as this month." said.
Deputy Spokesperson Porter said the assessment was consistent with North Korea's recent public statements, and said the United States would work closely with its allies and partners, sharing information.
She also referred to President Joe Biden's trips to South Korea and Japan this month, she said, showing that the trip strengthens the alliance and shows that security promises are strong.
(Photo = provided by Yonhap News TV, Yonhap News)