Seoul: South Korea will ensure its position is reflected in any potential dialogue process between U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, a senior Seoul official stated. The official’s comments come amid increasing speculation about another Trump-Kim meeting following Trump’s recent election victory, which could influence Seoul’s diplomatic strategy with Washington and its policies towards North Korea, particularly as Pyongyang strengthens its ties with Russia and supports Moscow’s military actions in Ukraine.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the senior foreign ministry official highlighted that during Trump’s first term, the U.S. initially applied a ‘maximum pressure’ strategy on North Korea. If Trump decides to re-engage with North Korea, he might revert to this approach. However, the official emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the resumption of dialogue, acknowledging that “everything is still up in the air,” and all possibilities are being considered.
Before consideri
ng a diplomatic approach, Trump and Kim had escalated tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with Trump threatening “fire and fury” and both leaders boasting about their nuclear capabilities. Despite these tensions, Trump and Kim held three meetings during Trump’s first term, although their nuclear discussions concluded without an agreement in early 2019.
The Seoul official stressed the importance of South Korea leading any dialogue with North Korea and ensuring its position is integrated into the process. Since the breakdown of talks, Kim has abandoned his engagement policy with the U.S., severed ties with the South, and intensified nuclear and missile development in closer alignment with Russia.
Regarding China’s potential role in North Korea’s deployment of soldiers to Russia, the official mentioned the South Korean government’s intention to encourage Beijing to engage Pyongyang on this issue. The official noted that China likely wishes to avoid being associated with North Korea and Russia, which makes diplom
atic efforts worthwhile.
The senior official also commented on the recent ratification of a new defense partnership treaty between Pyongyang and Moscow, suggesting a connection to North Korea’s troop deployment to Russia. With Russia continuing its aggressive actions in Ukraine and North Korea involved on Russia’s side, the official expressed skepticism about any improvement in relations with Moscow at this time.