The White House announced on Thursday that President Donald Trump is open to unconditional talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
A White House official responded to a query from News1 regarding Kim’s recent statement that North Korea would have no reason to maintain hostilities if the U.S. withdraws its antagonistic policies and acknowledges North Korea’s nuclear status.
The official emphasized that during his first term, President Trump held three landmark summits with Kim, which helped stabilize the Korean Peninsula. The spokesperson reiterated that U.S. policy toward North Korea remains consistent.
During the 9th Workers’ Party Congress on January 20-21, Kim declared that its nuclear capabilities serve as a powerful deterrent against potential threats and contribute to regional stability. He added that it will maintain the readiness for confrontation with the U.S. and firmly uphold the resolute policy stance.
However, Kim also stated that if the U.S. respects the nation’s current status as outlined in the Constitution and withdraws its hostile policies, there would be no reason for them to maintain poor relations.
This statement suggests that North Korea may be open to negotiations if the U.S. recognizes its nuclear status and lifts sanctions, potentially creating favorable conditions for dialogue.
The White House, while referencing the previous summits between Trump and Kim, maintained that there would be no shift in North Korea policy. However, they emphasized the possibility of unconditional dialogue, drawing a clear distinction.
Trump and Kim met three times: in Singapore (June 2018), Hanoi (February 2019), and at the Korean Demilitarized Zone (June 2019).
President Trump is scheduled to visit China from March 31 to April 2 for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Some analysts speculate that this trip could potentially lead to a meeting with Kim.
U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, Kang Kyung-hwa, recently told Korean correspondents that regarding Trump’s China visit that they’re closely monitoring all possibilities for U.S.-North Korea dialogue, considering various factors including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, U.S.-China relations, and North Korea-China dynamics.
Meanwhile, Kim maintained a hard-line stance toward South Korea, declaring that he would permanently exclude them from the category of its kin.