South Korean leader to visit US in April on second official trip

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South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol will go on an official trip to the US on April 26 where he will meet with President Joe Biden, the White House said on Tuesday.

The visit comes as tensions in the Asia Pacific ramp up amid increasing military provocation by Washington and Seoul, in addition to Japan, against North Korea and China.

Earlier today, Kim Yo Jong, DPRK's leader Kim Jong Un's sister, warned it would be a "clear declaration of war" if its missiles were shot down during test launches over the Pacific Ocean.

The statement came shortly after the US deployed a B-52 strategic air bomber in a joint air drill with its East Asian ally.

Read more: DPRK urges UN to halt 'provocative' US-S. Korea drills

The air drill comes ahead of a large-scale joint exercise, which will reportedly include an amphibious landing later this month. DPRK has routinely urged for the cancellation of joint drills, characterizing them as a precursor to invasion.

Yoon's trip to the US - his second official visit - "will highlight the importance and enduring strength of the ironclad... alliance" between the two countries," the statement added.

Read more: Nuclear deterrence ensures balance of power in region: DPRK

During the visit, the leaders will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the bilateral ties between the two nations in an official dinner at the White House - which are "critical to advancing peace, stability, and prosperity for our two countries, the Indo-Pacific, and around the world," the statement noted.

The US and South Korea are planning to carry out this month their largest joint military drills to date, dubbed the "Freedom Shield" exercises, with the aim of strengthening allies' defense capabilities. 

The drills are scheduled to take place annually from March 13 to March 23. No breaks are scheduled to be held in between.