Trump looks forward to meeting DPRK’s Kim after China talks

World Today

From Washington, D.C. to the Republic of Korea, questions abound: what does the high-level meeting between China and the DPRK mean?

CGTN’s Sean Callebs reports.

U.S. President Donald Trump said his administration’s “get tough” policy with DPRK leader Kim Jong Un is helping facilitate efforts to reduce tension on the Korean Peninsula.

Trump tweeted, “For years and through many administrations, everyone said that peace and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula was not even a small possibility. Now there is a good chance that Kim Jong Un will do what is right for his people and humanity. Look forward to our meeting!”

But, a host of analysts said it’s clear that the bond between China and the DPRK is back on track.

“I think both China signaling that it is the regional power to be reckoned with, and any kind of management, or ultimately resolution of the Korean Peninsula tensions has that road running through Beijing,” Michael Kovrig, an analyst on Northeast Asia at Crisis Group said.

China has been consistent – calling for a nuclear free peninsula—and urging the U.S. and its allies to halt military training near DPRK borders. Trump is scheduled to hold a historic meeting with the DPRK leader, and sees the Xi-Kim meeting as a positive precursor.

In a another tweet, the U.S. President said, “Received message last night from XI JINPING of China that his meeting with KIM JONG UN went very well and that KIM looks forward to his meeting with me. In the meantime, and unfortunately, maximum sanctions and pressure must be maintained at all cost.”

China has supported punishing economic sanctions against the DPRK, with the UN imposed sanctions coming after a series of nuclear and ballistic missile tests.

But –as long as there is dialogue anything seems to be possible.