U.S. "North Korea can test nuclear weapons at any time... Strengthen intelligence capabilities near the Korean Peninsula"

<Anchor>

North Korea continues provocations day after day, such as firing NLL artillery, amid observations that the 7th nuclear test is imminent.

In the midst of this, the White House said that it has strengthened its intelligence-gathering capabilities around the Korean Peninsula.

He also emphasized that he would continue joint exercises with the US, South Korea, US, and Japan.

Correspondent Seungmo Nam from Washington.

<Reporter>

John Kirby, White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator, at a telephone briefing today (25th) when asked if he thought North Korea would conduct a nuclear test after the Chinese party congress ended He said he would try to hold North Korea accountable for violations of UN Security Council resolutions.

When asked about the countermeasures against North Korea's provocations, such as the recent bombardment near the border, he answered:

[John Kirby / US White House National Security Council Strategic Communication Coordinator: We have strengthened some intelligence capabilities in the vicinity of the Korean Peninsula to better judge the situation.

And we will continue to conduct bilateral and trilateral exercises.]

Coordinator Kirby, in particular, emphasized thorough implementation of the defense promise to South Korea and Japan, saying that it is a treaty, not an oral agreement.

[John Kirby / U.S. National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator: South Korea and Japan are treaty allies.

This is not an oral agreement.

We are actually committed to the defense treaty.]

The US State Department also said that it is preparing for contingencies, saying that it evaluates that North Korea is preparing an optimal environment for its 7th nuclear test.

[Ned Price / US State Department Spokesperson: We are ready to adjust our military posture in the short and long term in response to North Korean provocations.]

The US State Department, however, said that it has no hostile intentions to North Korea and will continue to push forward dialogue for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. emphasized.