North Korea could complete its nuclear weapons program, including a nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the United States mainland, next year, authorities in South Korea said Tuesday, USA TODAY reports.
"North Korea has been developing its nuclear weapons at a faster-than-expected pace," Cho Myoung Gyon, South Korea's unification minister, told reporters in Seoul. The unification ministry is an executive department that promotes Korean reunification.
Cho said 2018 will be a key year for North Korea as its marks the 70th anniversary of its establishment. His remarks were published by South Korea's Yonhap news agency.
North Korea conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test in September. Defense experts disagree over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile capabilities, although recent test launches over Japan suggest it is making advancements. There is also disagreement over how the West should deal with the threat of a nuclear armed North Korea.
President Trump has consistently said that years of American-led diplomatic efforts — and money — have produced few results, and threatened war. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said that Washington would be willing to sit down with Pyongyang for talks.
Last week, the White House placed additional sanctions on North Korea and re-listed it as a state sponsor of terrorism, a largely symbolic move.