North Korea’s leadership, represented by Kim Yo Jong, stated that the relationship between Kim Jong Un and former President Donald Trump is “not bad,” but emphasized that the U.S. must recognize North Korea as a nuclear weapons state. In a statement released by the state news agency KCNA, Kim Yo Jong dismissed any notion of further denuclearization talks, asserting that the geopolitical landscape has significantly changed since Trump’s presidency. She indicated that acknowledging North Korea’s status as a nuclear power is essential for any future negotiations, warning that failing to do so would render U.S.-North Korea meetings mere “hope” from the U.S. side.
Despite Trump’s history of expressing a “great relationship” with Kim and his openness to resuming diplomatic talks, the Singapore summit in 2018—where they signed a preliminary denuclearization agreement—saw progress stall when the U.S. did not provide the sanctions relief North Korea sought. North Korea has since accelerated its nuclear and missile programs, further complicating potential negotiations.
While the U.S. maintains its commitment to complete denuclearization of North Korea, evidenced by statements from the State Department, the White House has yet to respond to Kim’s latest remarks. South Korea, under President Lee Jae-myung, is keen to foster renewed talks, despite Kim’s rejection of outreach efforts, criticizing South Korean reliance on U.S. alliances.
The dual statements from Kim Yo Jong signal North Korea’s intent to influence future discussions on the Korean Peninsula, balancing moderate language towards South Korea with a firmer stance towards the U.S. This dynamic suggests North Korea is assessing responses from both nations, opening potential avenues for dialogue or confrontation.
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