Trump likely to meet North Korean leader Kim by May
Recently, no other issue has worried world politics more than the tension emanating from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's threats of releasing a nuclear mission capable of hitting the US mainland. However, US President Donald Trump has now agreed to meet Kim by May. This is in response to Kim's invitation for the first meeting between US and North Korean officials. Here's more.
How have North Korea-US relations been?
Ever since Trump came to office, the US had led a worldwide pressure campaign, squeezing North Korea financially by leading UN sanctions and imposing bilateral penalties. They also managed to get China on board. Trump's approach has vacillated between warlike rhetoric and cold diplomacy.
So how did they arrive at this breakthrough?
South Korea's national security adviser Chung Eui-yong had led a delegation to North Korea earlier this week. He had a cordial four-hour dinner with the reclusive Kim. Here, Kim and his senior cadres expressed willingness to hold talks with US and was prepared to discuss denuclearization. Moreover, Kim said he wouldn't use "provocations" while engaged in those talks. Chung conveyed this invitation to Trump.
Trump attributes this to "biting" sanctions against North Korea
Meanwhile, after accepting the invitation, Trump said N. Korea was responding to "maximum pressure" his administration was applying. He also credited "great help given by China" in making sanctions a success. This is despite repeated reports of China/Russia assisting North Korea to evade sanctions.
Why are US officials wary of this development?
Some analysts were optimistic that sanctions are beginning to hurt and Kim is genuinely afraid of US military-strikes. Some others were wary. They say Kim is feeling more confident than ever, that he completed his nuclear program in November and wants to deal with US on an equal footing. Considering Kim's fickle nature, US officials won't rest until he matches "words with concrete actions."
What does this meeting imply?
This meeting would be a huge step between the two countries, sworn enemies for 70yrs. Over the past year, Trump mocked Kim as "little rocket man." The Korean-leader called the US-president a "dotard" and "lunatic." What's more, since Kim wrested power in 2011, he hasn't met any head-of-state. Now, a meeting with South Korean president Moon Jae-in is also in the pipeline next month.
