U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry landed in the center of the storm, South Korea, on Friday for the start of a four-day sweep through the eastern part of Asia.
The Associated Press reported his diplomatic journey is somewhat unusual in that it brings him right at danger’s door, as North Korea’s threats of war with the West have ratcheted and Japan has moved into cautious mode and shifted missile defense shields around Tokyo.
It’s believed Mr. Kerry’s presence in the South will only provide the North with more fodder, AP said.
Mr. Kerry’s visit also coincides with the North’s nationwide celebration of the 101st birthday of deceased Kim Il Sung, on April 15, and as new U.S. intelligence finds the North with more advanced nuclear knowledge than previously believed.
The North can actually arm a ballistic missile with a nuclear warhead, Pentagon intelligence discussed at a Thursday congressional hearing revealed.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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