Trump discusses North Korea with Xi, Abe before G-20 meet
North Korea's nuclear threats were an important topic in phone calls made by US President Donald Trump to his counterparts in China and Japan. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping said they would work towards denuclearising the Korean peninsula. Japanese PM Shinzo Abe and Trump vowed to stand together against any North Korean threats. The conversations come ahead of the G-20 summit.
Trump warns of "determined response" against North Korea
On July 1, US President Donald Trump said it's time for a "determined response" with North Korea since years of "strategic patience" have failed. At a press conference with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in Washington, Trump said both countries are "facing the threat of the reckless and brutal regime." His statement comes following a series of nuclear-capable missile launches by North Korea.
North Korea to continue nuclear program despite US sanctions
On June 30, North Korea's UN ambassador told the UN Security Council his country would continue building its nuclear forces despite the US' sanctions and its outdated "hostile policy." His statement came after US National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster said Washington is preparing for "all options" against North Korea and that President Trump has "made clear" he won't accept it as a nuclear power.
US-China ties getting strained
Trump has been increasingly frustrated over China's inability to rein in North Korea. Recently, the US sanctioned a Chinese bank and two Chinese individuals having dealings with North Korea. It also approved a $1.4 billion arms sale to Taiwan. Washington also sent a warship near an island claimed by China in the South China Sea. These incidents have angered China.
China says "negative factors" have affected ties with US
Trump also called for "more balanced trade relations" with China, indicating he may return to his tough rhetoric stance against Chinese trade practices. However, he did once again recognize the "One China policy" despite approving an arms sale to Taiwan. Xi reportedly told Trump he hoped the Taiwan issue would be "appropriately handled." Chinese media reported that "negative factors" have affected Sino-US relations.
Trump and Abe vow to jointly counter North Korean threats
Both Abe and Trump reiterated their commitment to increase pressure on North Korea. "They reaffirmed that the United States-Japan Alliance stands ready to defend and respond to any threat or action taken by North Korea," the White House said. A Japanese government official said the US, Japan and South Korea will engage in a "a trilateral leaders summit at the G20 meeting."
