Joe Biden begins Asia trip in South Korea, under North nuclear shadow

Joe Biden wants the trip to build on recent moves accelerating a years-long U.S. pivot to Asia, where rising Chinese commercial and military power is undercutting Washington's dominance

U. S. President Joe Biden arrived in South Korea on May 20, his first Asia trip as U. S. leader, aiming to cement ties with regional security allies as concern over a North Korean nuclear test grows.

Mr. Biden wants the trip to build on recent moves accelerating a years-long U.S. pivot to Asia, where rising Chinese commercial and military power is undercutting Washington's dominance. He will receive a warm welcome from South Korea's new staunchly pro-U.S. President Yoon Suk-yeol, who took office last week, but there is growing concern North Korea's unpredictable leadership could conduct a nuclear test during Mr. Biden's visit to the region.

Despite a spiralling COVID-19 outbreak, Pyongyang's "preparations for a nuclear test have been completed and they are only looking for the right time," South Korean lawmaker Ha Tae-keung said after being briefed by Seoul's spy agency.

U. S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said there was "real risk of some kind of provocation while we're in the region". "We know what we will do to respond to them. We have communicated with not just our allies, but also with China," he said.

Yoon has pledged to take a firm line with the North after years of failed diplomacy and also wants stronger ties with the U.S., including ramping up joint military exercises. Early on Friday, he told reporters in Seoul that Mr. Biden's trip was an opportunity for the U.S.-South Korea relationship to become "stronger and more inclusive".

Mr. Biden heads to Japan from South Korea on Sunday. He will hold talks with the leaders of both countries, as well as joining a regional summit of the Quad — a grouping of Australia, India, Japan and the United States — while in Tokyo. "I'm on my way to the Republic of Korea and Japan for my first trip to Asia as president," Mr. Biden tweeted from Air Force One.

"I look forward to strengthening vital security alliances, deepening our economic partnerships and working with fellow democracies to help shape the rules of the road for the 21st century."