CGTN America
President Donald Trump speaks during a signing ceremony for the “Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act,” in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Thursday, May 24, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea said it wants to talk with the U.S., calling a summit with President Donald Trump ‘urgent.’
This comes after Trump abruptly cancelled the planned Singapore summit with Kim Jong-Un. The U.S. claims the DPRK ‘broke promises.’
CGTN’s Nathan King reports.
Months of preparation, weeks of speculation but hopes of the June 12 summit now dashed in just three paragraphs: the U.S. President Donald Trump’s letter cancelling the summit, at least for now.
“I believe that this is a tremendous setback for North Korea and indeed a setback for the world,” said Trump.
In an abrupt announcement, Trump also said the military is ready for any ‘foolish’ actions by the DPRK.
“…Our military, which is by far the most powerful anywhere in the world, that has been greatly enhanced recently. As you all know, is ready if necessary,” said Trump.
Trump’s letter – both complimentary and confrontational in tone – pointed to the recent rhetoric used by DPRK officials against the U.S. Vice President and the National Security Adviser.
But it’s not just words that have led to this summit’s cancellation, it’s policy too.
The DPRK rejected the so-called Libya model of disarmament pushed by U.S. officials because it would have required Pyongyang to give up all its nuclear weapons and missiles ahead of any security guarantees and economic benefits.
Pyongyang and other powers favored a gradual approach to build trust over time.
The swift cancellation of the summit took many by surprise. South Korea’s President has only just arrived back in Seoul after meeting Trump in the Oval Office. He expressed deep regret at the news.
China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, in Washington Wednesday urged the U.S. to take the historic opportunity.
The U.S. says a summit could still happen, but for now its sticking with the maximum pressure campaign of sanctions and diplomatic and military pressure. But will South Korea, China and others continue to back such a plan, which previously brought Washington and Pyongyang closer to conflict than they had been in decades.
It’s Complicated: A look at the evolution of the Trump-Kim relationship
Anticipation of the Trump-Kim summit had been building for months. The planned meeting signaled a shift in the combative relationship between Washington and Pyongyang. But its cancellation adds to the back-and-forth that has marked much of Trump’s presidency. CGTN’s Roee Ruttenberg takes a look at the complicated relationship between the two leaders.
Dennis Wilder discusses new challenges to diplomacy on the Korean Peninsula
CGTN’s Mike Walter spoke to Dennis Wilder to discuss where relations stood between the U.S and DPRK. Wilder is a former special assistant to U.S. President George W. Bush. He’s also the Managing Director of the Initiative for U.S.-China Dialogue on Global Issues at Georgetown University.
