U.S. officials are increasingly concerned that North Korea may be preparing its first test of a nuclear weapon, though they warn that the information is sketchy.
Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill flew to the region Friday to consult over the weekend with officials in Beijing, Tokyo and Seoul about the signs that a test may be in the works. Officials want China, North Korea’s main patron, to use its leverage with Pyongyang to avert a test.
One U.S. official said the concern about Pyongyang’s intentions was heightened by signs of increased activity at missile sites and other places that could be used for underground tests. U.S. spy satellites observed the activity, but it is difficult to interpret, as the mistakes regarding alleged weapons of mass destruction in Iraq demonstrated.
“We see these things,” he said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was discussing intelligence matters. “But much of what we see is open to interpretation.”
The Wall Street Journal first reported Friday in its online edition that North Korea may be preparing a test, sending stocks tumbling and oil prices soaring.
