Seoul/Pyongyang: – The United States and South Korea have indicated they are ready for talks, despite a series of threats issued by North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. US Special Envoy Sung Kim is currently visiting South Korea. He expressed willingness to hold talks with North Korea. Meanwhile, the US special envoy is expected to meet Russian Deputy Foreign Minister. A joint exercise between the US and South Korea has been underway since last week. Besides, the special envoy’s visit is considered necessary in the context of this exercise.
Two years ago, a meeting between former US President Donald Trump and North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un had failed. Since then, talks between the two countries have come to a complete standstill. Although the United States has repeatedly indicated readiness for talks, North Korea has refused to accept the terms. With the US rejecting the terms, North Korea has once again begun to increase its nuclear capabilities. Moreover, it has imposed conditions such as easing sanctions and withdrawing troops from South Korea.
Against this backdrop, the United States has begun to strengthen defence cooperation with South Korea and Japan. The joint exercise with South Korea is considered a part of the same efforts. North Korea has again taken an aggressive stance on the issue of this exercise. North Korea has issued three threats in the past month. Last week, North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un warned that a joint US-South Korean exercise would create a security problem in the region and lead to an unexpected retaliation.
North Korea has since issued two’ Navigation Warnings’. The warning should be a prelude to a nuclear test, analysts claim. Thus, it is learned that North Korea has started military training. Military officials from the United States and South Korea, conducting the exercise, also said they were watching the activities. Against this backdrop, the US special envoy’s visit to South Korea and appeal for talks with North Korea becomes important.
Last year in June, North Korea blew up a diplomatic office to improve relations between the two countries. North Korea has since severed ties between the two countries and stepped up military and nuclear moves. In the past few months, North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un has also begun increasing cooperation with China.
South Korea says North Korea has stopped responding to the ‘Hotline’ set up for South and North Korea communication. The move appears to be aimed at putting pressure on South Korea and the United States.
Related posts:
North Korean Dictator Kim Jong-un makes a historic visit to South Korea, commits to denuclearization
North Korean secret missile bases still operational; claims renowned US study group
US, South Korea, Japan to enhance military cooperation on North Korea denuclearisation
‘Time to take action’ for peace with North Korea: South Korean President Moon Jae-in
North Korea issues warning over joint US-South Korea war exercises
North Korea launches ballistic missile in Sea of Japan; Japan, South Korea, US criticise
South Korea should acquire nuclear submarine technology: Presidential candidate Lee Jae-Myung
