North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently warned that the growing military ties between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan are a serious threat to his country. He promised to strengthen North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. Kim’s comments indicate that he is not interested in meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump to talk about peace anytime soon.
During a speech for the 77th anniversary of the Korean People’s Army, Kim accused the U.S. of trying to create a military alliance similar to NATO in Asia, which he believes disrupts peace on the Korean Peninsula and puts North Korea in danger. He spoke about plans to rapidly improve North Korea’s military, especially its nuclear capabilities.
As talks with the U.S. and South Korea have stalled, Kim has been focusing on building and modernizing North Korea’s nuclear weapons. In response, the U.S. and South Korea have increased their military exercises, which North Korea sees as preparations for an invasion.
Since taking office, Trump has mentioned reaching out to Kim again, noting their close relationship. During a recent news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Trump expressed hope for U.S.-North Korean relations and noted, “I got along with him very well.”
Trump and Kim met three times between 2018 and 2019 to discuss North Korea’s nuclear weapons, but those efforts failed when Trump turned down Kim’s proposal for dismantling part of his nuclear program in exchange for lifting some sanctions.
North Korea has not directly replied to Trump’s recent offers. Some experts believe Kim is currently more focused on helping Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. Kim has pledged support for Russia, accusing the U.S. of causing problems in Ukraine.
In South Korea, there are concerns that Trump might give up on the goal of complete denuclearization of North Korea just for diplomatic wins. However, a joint statement by Trump and Ishiba reaffirmed their commitment to fully denuclearize North Korea and emphasized the importance of the partnership between the U.S., Japan, and South Korea in dealing with the North.
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