Why North Korea's Kim Jong Un Doesn't Need a US Deal
Trump's overtures to North Korea have failed as Pyongyang accelerates its nuclear program and strengthens ties with Russia and China.
In August, U.S. President Donald Trump attempted to engage North Korea with a reduced military presence and praise, but North Korea's response was less enthusiastic. This week, as joint U.S.-South Korea drills commenced, Washington showed no sign of easing its military posture or showing progress with Pyongyang. Kim Jong Un, during a recent event, unveiled a more advanced naval destroyer and reiterated the need for a powerful nuclear deterrent.
Unlike Trump's earlier approach, Kim appears content with his current position, as North Korea has forged strategic partnerships with Russia and China, and its economy has shown signs of recovery. With a growing nuclear arsenal and closer ties to Moscow and Beijing, Kim no longer prioritizes denuclearization talks with the United States, instead seeking recognition of North Korea as a nuclear state.
Written by urgent.news from Tempo.co English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
