The nominee for U.S. secretary of state said on Tuesday that the new U.S. administration of Joe Biden plans to review the country's entire approach and policy toward North Korea.

Antony Blinken made the remarks during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Blinken said that the U.S. intends to conduct the review because it is a difficult problem that has plagued administration after administration and has worsened rather than gotten better.

The former deputy secretary of state said the new administration will begin by looking at what options it has to increase pressure on North Korea to return to the negotiating table, “as well as what other diplomatic initiatives may be possible."

However, he added that these efforts will start with consulting closely with U.S. allies and partners, particularly with South Korea and Japan.

The nominee also displayed a significantly positive stance toward humanitarian assistance to the North, saying he thinks the U.S. has to do what it can to alleviate the suffering of people in North Korea and in other similarly situated places.