The Biden administration is on high alert as U.S. officials brace for the possibility of North Korea undertaking its most provocative military actions in over a decade, actions that could be carefully timed to coincide with the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Senior U.S. officials have raised concerns that North Korea’s military maneuvers could be spurred by Russian President Vladimir Putin, aiming to sow discord as the U.S. decides between re-electing President Joe Biden or former President Donald Trump.
This new wave of apprehension stems from growing military alliances and technology exchanges between North Korea and Russia. Six senior U.S. officials disclosed to NBC News that the U.S. is closely monitoring the evolving relationship between the two countries, which has raised alarms over potential advancements in Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile capabilities—advancements that could upend stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
“We have no doubt that North Korea will be provocative this year. It’s just a matter of how escalatory it is,” a U.S. intelligence official said, emphasizing the certitude of North Korea’s aggression but leaving the degree open to speculation. The timing of these actions, officials believe, may be calculated to stir turmoil abroad as Americans are focused on the presidential election.
According to intelligence sources, Russia may be supplying North Korea with high-level military technology such as nuclear submarine and ballistic missile expertise. This would be in exchange for substantial military munitions support from Pyongyang to bolster Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Despite the North Korean munitions likely being old and unreliable, their supply has provided Russia with a battlefield advantage at crucial moments.
Victor Cha, senior vice president for Asia and Korea chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, underscored the unease over this burgeoning partnership, “2024 is not going to be a good year. It’s going to be a bit of a roller coaster.”
U.S. officials have noted increased activities at North Korean nuclear test sites, suggesting preparations for another nuclear test—a strategic move that the U.S. has anticipated and formulated contingency plans to address. This readiness is bolstered by coordination with South Korea and Japan, as one senior administration official confirmed, “We are going to be ready and prepared.”
The Trump campaign, undaunted by these emerging security threats, has dismissed the notion of an ‘October surprise.’ Steven Cheung, a Trump campaign spokesman, confidently predicted “the only ‘October surprise’ will be the look of shock” among reporters when Trump wins re-election.
Relevant articles:
– US officials say North Korea may be planning military action to create chaos ahead of US election, report says , Yahoo News Canada, 05/26/2024
– Are Russia and North Korea planning an ‘October surprise’ that aids Trump?, NBC News, 05/24/2024
– US officials say North Korea may be planning military action to create chaos ahead of US election, report says, Business Insider, 05/25/2024
– Russia, North Korea may be planning ‘October surprise’ ahead of 2024 election: report, New York Post, 05/24/2024
– U.S. girding for possibility of N. Korea taking most provocative military actions in decade near election: NBC, Yonhap News Agency, 05/24/2024
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