The White House said it is monitoring North Korea after reports of rocket launches into the ocean surfaced on Thursday.
Speaking at a press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the administration is aware of the incident and is in contact with South Korean officials.
“We are monitoring the situation,” she said. “The Trump administration is in close contact with our new South Korean counterparts as we work together to deter our adversaries and preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
When asked if the timing of the launch had any particular significance, Leavitt did not elaborate.
She added that both allies and adversaries should be clear on one point.
“President Trump will not tolerate threats against our interests on his watch, even as he works to resolve the wars that he inherited,” she said.
China’s role in Iran diplomacy
Leavitt was also asked about Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent offer to engage diplomatically in Iran.
She declined to offer a detailed response.
“I will leave it to the president to respond to that himself,” she said.
As for the possibility of China providing military support to Iran, Leavitt said there are no signs of that at the moment.
“I don’t believe we’re seeing any signs of that at this moment in time,” she said.
The Biden administration has not issued a formal statement on China’s recent diplomatic comments or North Korea’s rocket activity.
Officials say the president may address the topics directly in the coming days.
