The sister and confidant of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un says the United States has ‘false’ expectations about a dialogue with North Korea. Recently, Kim Jong-un said the US must be ready for “both dialogue and confrontation.” US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan called this an “interesting signal.”
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Sullivan said the US will wait and see if the North Koreans contact again to discuss how to proceed with the negotiations between the countries. But the US is misreading Kim Jong-un’s comments, his sister Kim Yo-jong now warns.
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The North Koreans caused major international unrest a few years ago with nuclear tests, a missile program and war rhetoric. The country has also tested missiles that can reach the US mainland. Former US President Donald Trump spoke repeatedly with Kim Jong-un, but talks about the nuclear weapons program have been on hold for some time now.
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‘Big disappointment’
According to Kim Yo-jong, US diplomatic expectations lead to “greater disappointment”. “It seems that the US is interpreting the situation in a way that is reassuring,” she said. According to the South Korean news agency Yonhap, experts think that this is sending a signal that Washington should make it more attractive for North Koreans to start negotiating their nuclear weapons again.
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Last week, Kim Jong-un spoke about North Korea’s America policy. He then said that one had to prepare for dialogue and confrontation, ‘especially for confrontation’. Experts have given different interpretations to the statements. Some argued that Kim Jong-un hinted that he wants to put more pressure on the US. Others said he emphasized the possibility of resuming talks.
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Sanctions
The North Korean dictator has repeatedly threatened to strengthen the nuclear program in recent months. He argued that the fate of diplomacy rests in the hands of the US and depends on Washington’s willingness to abandon its “hostile policies.” He seemed to be referring to US sanctions against the country.
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Kim Jong-un admitted last week that there is food supply problems. Some analysts then suggested that Pyongyang may show more willingness to re-enter dialogue now that it could use foreign aid.
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Sung Kim, the new US envoy to North Korea, said he is willing to negotiate “anytime, anywhere and without preconditions” with representatives of Kim Jong-un’s regime. The envoy is currently visiting South Korea, where he is consulting with regional allies, including Japan. Yesterday, Sung Kim said he hopes North Korea will return to the negotiating table. However, sanctions against the country remain in place.
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