Trump Claims Positive Response from Kim Jong Un on Dialogue Proposal

Washington, August 18: U.S. President Donald Trump has recently indicated a softer approach towards North Korea. He claims that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has responded to his proposal for dialogue. However, Trump did not specify when or how Kim reached out or what the discussions entailed. He only mentioned that the conversation was “very positive.”

During a press briefing at the White House on Monday, when asked why Kim had not responded to his proposal until now, Trump retorted, “How do you know he hasn’t responded?” He then confirmed that Kim had indeed replied.

Trump also highlighted his personal rapport with Kim, stating that Kim has always treated him with “great respect.” He expressed that both leaders understand each other well.

Trump and Kim have met face-to-face three times during his first term. Their first meeting took place in June 2018 in Singapore, followed by encounters in Hanoi in February 2019 and at Panmunjom in June 2019.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim’s alleged response comes at a time when Trump has ordered a “significant reduction” in joint military exercises between South Korea and the U.S. He presented this decision as a crucial signal for restarting dialogue with North Korea, which has long viewed these military drills as preparations for war against it.

In a social media post on Sunday, Trump stated that he directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to “significantly reduce” the joint military exercises with South Korea. He argued that these drills are costly and send “unfair and hostile” signals to North Korea. Citing his “very good relationship” with Kim, Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with such exercises.

Defending this decision, Trump emphasized that his goal is not to weaken U.S. security but to make the situation “safer.” He also mentioned the approximately 39,000 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea, noting that America spends billions on the security of its ally.

Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department clarified that America is ready for talks with North Korea “without any preconditions.” The department stated that Trump has already made this stance clear. However, there has been no official confirmation from North Korea regarding Trump’s alleged proposal or response.

Trump’s latest remarks have reignited the possibility of resuming his personal diplomacy from 2018-19. However, the circumstances are significantly different this time. North Korea has advanced its nuclear and missile programs, and its military ties with Russia have deepened.