The Korean Missile Crisis Thread

[Klondyke]

^ For the start the WH purchased the best tickets at the Winter Olympics...

[OhOh]

^ I suppose it's one way ameristanis have not tried to overthrow a government. This time it includes their own.

[Klondyke]

Putin yesterday in his annual Q&A on Washington Asking For Russian Help with North Korea:

[uncle junior]

The US reportedly wants a limited strike on North Korea to give Kim Jong Un a 'bloody nose'


After months of resolutely declaring that it cannot and will not tolerate a nuclear-armed North Korea, the US is reportedly planning a "bloody nose" attack to send Pyongyang a message.

The Daily Telegraph cited "well-placed" sources as saying the Trump administration had "dramatically" stepped up preparations for a military response to North

Korea's nuclear provocations.

Those possible responses include destroying a launch site before North Korea could test a missile and targeting a stockpile of weapons, according to The Telegraph.

"The Pentagon is trying to find options that would allow them to punch the North Koreans in the nose, get their attention and show that we're serious," a former US security official briefed on policy told The Telegraph.

The report said the Trump administration had the April 7 strike on a Syrian airfield in mind as a blueprint for the move against North Korea.

http://www.businessinsider.com/us-re...-korea-2017-12

[OhOh]

Time to read the DPRK/China mutual defence agreement, again.

[uncle junior]

Mutual?

[OhOh]

Mutual?

Allegedly yes. After all DPRK has all the Anthrax.


"Article II The Contracting Parties undertake jointly to adopt all measures to prevent aggression against either of the Contracting Parties by any state. In the event of one of the Contracting Parties being subjected to the armed attack by any state or several states jointly and thus being involved in a state of war, the other Contracting Party shall immediately render military and other assistance by all means at its disposal. "

https://www.marxists.org/subject/chi...china_dprk.htm

[OhOh]

Somebody appearing to be so impressed with another's knowledge of Curling.



2018. Photo: Yonhap via Reuters
"It is difficult to point to a recent picture of South Korean President Moon Jae-in in which he is not beaming.

This should not be surprising. Be it hosting an A-list North Korean delegation to the Winter Games, successfully navigating perilous diplomatic waters between China, Japan and the US, or benefitting from a domestic opposition that is in utter disarray, the sun is shining upon Moon.


The liberal politician, a former special forces soldier, ex-human rights lawyer and key aide to the late liberal president Roh Moo-hyun, assumed office after his second presidential bid in May 2017, when he won the snap election called following the impeachment of conservative rival Park Geun-hye (currently on trial and in detention) in March of that year.


Bright outlook for Moon

Moon is a masterly people politician who never tires of taking selfies with fans. His popularity has taken two minor dents this year after his government’s moves to ban Bitcoin trading and promote an inter-Korean women’s ice hockey team proved unpopular among youngsters. But his support base remains massive.
“Right now his popularity is at one of the all-time highest for a South Korean president – over 60% support is unprecedented,” said James Kim, a research fellow who studies public opinion at the Asan Institute. “Things are looking good for him.”
He is the master of the political landscape. His Democratic Party has 121 seats in the 300-seat National Assembly, while the conservative opposition is close behind, with 117 seats. But the conservatives, since Park’s ouster, have been in disarray and are facing a leadership issue, which is not expected to be resolved until later this year.



Stars align for Moon | Asia Times

[misskit]

Exclusive: U.S. prepares high-seas crackdown on North Korea sanctions evaders - sources

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Trump administration and key Asian allies are preparing to expand interceptions of ships suspected of violating sanctions on North Korea, a plan that could include deploying U.S. Coast Guard forces to stop and search vessels in Asia-Pacific waters, senior U.S. officials said.

Washington has been talking to regional partners, including Japan, South Korea, Australia and Singapore, about coordinating a stepped-up crackdown that would go further than ever before in an attempt to squeeze Pyongyang’s use of seagoing trade to feed its nuclear missile program, several officials told Reuters.


While suspect ships have been intercepted before, the emerging strategy would expand the scope of such operations but stop short of imposing a naval blockade on North Korea. Pyongyang has warned it would consider a blockade an act of war.


The strategy calls for closer tracking and possible seizure of ships suspected of carrying banned weapons components and other prohibited cargo to or from North Korea, according to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Depending on the scale of the campaign, the United States could consider beefing up the naval and air power of its Pacific Command, they said.


The U.S.-led initiative, which has not been previously reported, shows Washington’s increasing urgency to force North Korea into negotiations over the abandonment of its weapons programs, the officials said.


North Korea may be only a few months away from completing development of a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the U.S. mainland, despite existing international sanctions that, at times, have been sidestepped by smuggling and ship-to-ship transfers at sea of banned goods, according to officials.


“There is no doubt we all have to do more, short of direct military action, to show (North Korean leader) Kim Jong Un we mean business,” said a senior administration official.


The White House declined official comment.


The effort could target vessels on the high seas or in the territorial waters of countries that choose to cooperate. It was unclear, however, to what extent the campaign might extend beyond Asia.


Washington on Friday slapped sanctions on dozens more companies and vessels linked to North Korean shipping trade and urged the United Nations to blacklist a list of entities, a move it said was aimed at shutting down North Korea’s illicit maritime smuggling activities to obtain oil and sell coal.


Tighter sanctions plus a more assertive approach at sea could dial up tensions at a time when fragile diplomacy between North and South Korea has gained momentum. It would also stretch U.S. military resources needed elsewhere, possibly incur massive new costs and fuel misgivings among some countries in the region.
BOARDING SHIPS

The initiative, which is still being developed, would be fraught with challenges that could risk triggering North Korean retaliation and dividing the international community.


China and Russia, which have blocked U.S. efforts at the United Nations to win approval for use of force in North Korea interdiction operations, are likely to oppose new actions if they see the United States as overstepping. A Chinese official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said such steps should only be taken under United Nations auspices.


But Washington is expected to start gradually ratcheting up such operations soon even if discussions with allies have not been completed, according to the senior U.S. official.


U.S. experts are developing legal arguments for doing more to stop sanctions-busting vessels, citing the last U.N. Security Council resolution which they say opened the door by calling on states to inspect suspect ships on the high seas or in their waters.


Washington is also drawing up rules of engagement aimed at avoiding armed confrontation at sea, the officials said.


Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin told reporters in Washington on Friday the United States does not rule out boarding ships for inspections.


But U.S. officials said privately that such actions, especially the use of boarding crews, would be decided on a case-by-case and with utmost caution.


Some U.S. officials believe the risk could be minimized if Coast Guard cutters, which carry less firepower and technically engage in law-enforcement missions, are used in certain cases rather than warships.


The Coast Guard declined to address whether it might deploy ships to the Asia-Pacific region but acknowledged its ties to countries there. “Future ship deployments would depend on U.S. foreign policy objectives and the operational availability of our assets,” said spokesman Lieutenant Commander Dave French.



‘THE MORE PARTNERS WE HAVE’


A senior South Korean government official said there had been discussions over “intensified maritime interdictions,” including at a foreign ministers’ meeting in Vancouver last month where U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson pressed counterparts on the issue.


“We are discussing with various countries including the U.S. and South Korea how to fully implement the sanctions but I have not heard talk of creating a framework or a coalition,” said a Japanese defense ministry official involved in policy planning.


The Trump administration has also sought greater cooperation from Southeast Asian countries, which may have little military capability to assist but are seen as sources of intelligence on ship movements, U.S. officials said.



“The more partners we have, the more resources we have to dedicate to the effort,” said Chris Ford, assistant secretary of state for international security and nonproliferation. He declined to talk about discussions with specific countries.


Washington is especially interested in detecting of ship-to-ship transfers at sea of banned goods, something North Korea has increasingly resorted to as vessels have faced greater scrutiny of their cargo in Asian ports, the officials said.


Reuters reported in December that Russian tankers had supplied fuel to North Korea at sea in a violation of sanctions. Washington also said at the time it had evidence that vessels from several countries, including China, had engaged in shipping oil products and coal. China denied the allegation.


U.S. interception of ships close to Chinese waters is something likely to be avoided, in favor of informing Chinese authorities of banned cargo onboard and asking them do the inspection, one official said.


“It’s probably impossible to stop everything, but you can raise the cost to North Korea,” said David Shear, former deputy secretary of defense for Asia under President Barack Obama.


https://www.reuters.com/article/us-n...-idUSKCN1G72UY

[Klondyke]

“It’s probably impossible to stop everything, but you can raise the cost to North Korea,”

It will teach them (at the next Winter Olympics) not to reject meeting US VP who surely wanted to give them a hand. And/or watch the events together with the cute Kim's sister as the SK president did.

And it surely will hinder the NK nuclear development...

[SKkin]

U.S. Coast Guard forces to stop and search vessels in Asia-Pacific waters

Just stop and think about that one for a moment. Really? FFS!

[Grampa]

Just stop and think about that one for a moment. Really? FFS!

International waters?

F that.

[OhOh]

It's called piracy. Like the Somalis are allegedly doing. The UN asks all that are able to help out. Many countries have.

Will the UN similarly request all that can to help resist this blatant act of war.

Australia is now Asian. I'm sure the Oz PM agreed to that after his pizza with all the toppings orgy.

When asked to intercept by an amirstani Admiral the Chinese captain said , "We do not approach container vessels as some are known disable warships and kill sailors".

[OhOh]

Allegedly ameristan has dropped any requirements prior to the upcoming talks between DPRK and ameristan.

Could the Kim-Trump summit succeed?

Optimism about the proposed North Korea-US denuclearization talks must be tempered with cautious realism

By Ramesh Thakur Canberra, March 18, 2018 12:31 PM (UTC+8)



“We will see if Pyongyang’s message today, that it is willing to hold talks, represents the first steps along the path to denuclearization,” U.S. press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement Monday released ahead of Moon and Kim’s latest comments about lowering the bar for talks.
Sanders added that the U.S., South Korea and the international community “broadly agree” that denuclearization must be the ultimate result of any dialogue with North Korea.


“As President Trump has said, there is a brighter path available for North Korea if it chooses denuclearization,” Sanders said.

Could the Kim-Trump summit succeed? | Asia Times

[OhOh]

Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un hold talks in Beijing



At the invitation of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Chinese president, Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), paid an unofficial visit to China from March 25 to 28. During the visit, Xi held talks with Kim at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xi held a welcoming ceremony for Kim before their talks. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-03/28/c_137070779.htm

[Klondyke]

Not to forget that all this has been possible only by the very subtle and gentle diplomacy of kind Mr. Trump (I have bigger...)

[OhOh]

A fuller report from the meeting on 28/3/18.

"BEIJING, March 28 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Chinese president, Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), paid an unofficial visit to China from Sunday to Wednesday.
During the visit, Xi held talks with Kim at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan held a welcoming banquet for Kim and his wife Ri Sol Ju and watched an art performance together.


Li Keqiang, Chinese premier and member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Wang Huning, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, and Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan attended related activities, respectively.


During the talks, Xi expressed warm welcome on behalf of the CPC Central Committee to Kim for his first visit to China.
Xi said he appreciated that Kim sent him a congratulatory message after the 19th CPC National Congress on his re-election as general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and the assumption of office of chairman of the CPC Central Military Commission (CMC).
Xi was also grateful to Kim for congratulating him again several days ago immediately after he was re-elected China's president and chairman of the CMC of the country.


Xi said Kim's current visit to China, which came at a special time and was of great significance, fully embodied the great importance that Comrade Chairman and the WPK Central Committee have attached to the relations between the two countries and the two parties.
"We speak highly of this visit," Xi told Kim.


For his part, Kim said a series of major and happy events have taken place consecutively in China recently, as the 19th CPC National Congress was held victoriously last year, and the annual sessions of the National People's Congress and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference were successfully held not long ago.


Kim said Comrade Xi Jinping enjoyed the support of the CPC and the people of the whole country, became the core of the leadership and was re-elected Chinese president and CMC chairman. He said it is his obligation to come to congratulate Xi in person, in line with the DPRK-China friendly tradition.
At present, the Korean Peninsula situation is developing rapidly and many important changes have taken place, Kim said, adding that he felt he should come in time to inform Comrade General Secretary Xi Jinping in person the situation out of comradeship and moral responsibility.
Xi said the China-DPRK traditional friendship, established and cultivated meticulously by the elder generations of leaders of both parties and both countries, was the precious wealth of both sides.


Sharing common ideals and beliefs as well as profound revolutionary friendship, the elder generations of leaders of the two countries trusted and supported each other, and wrote a fine story in the history of international relations, said Xi.
He said several generations of the leaders of China and the DPRK have maintained close exchanges and paid frequent calls on each other like relatives.
The two parties and countries have supported each other and coordinated with each other during long-term practices, making great contributions to the development of the socialist cause.


"Both Comrade Chairman and I have personally experienced and witnessed the development of China-DPRK relationship," said Xi, adding that both sides have stated repeatedly that traditional China-DPRK friendship should be passed on continuously and developed better.
"This is a strategic choice and the only right choice both sides have made based on history and reality, the international and regional structure and the general situation of China-DPRK ties. This should not and will not change because of any single event at a particular time," Xi said.
The CPC and the Chinese government highly value China-DPRK friendly cooperative ties, Xi stressed. It is an unswerving principle of the CPC and the Chinese government to maintain, consolidate and develop good relations with the DPRK, he said.


"We are willing to work together with DPRK comrades, remain true to our original aspiration and jointly move forward, to promote long-term healthy and stable development of China-DPRK relations, benefit the two countries and two peoples, and make new contribution to regional peace, stability and development," Xi said.
Xi made four proposals concerning the development of China-DPRK relations.


Firstly, continue giving play to the guiding role of high-level exchanges. High-level exchanges have always played the most important guiding and promoting role in the history of China-DPRK relations. Under the new circumstances, I am willing to keep frequent contacts with Comrade Chairman through various forms such as exchange of visits, and sending special envoys and letters to each other.


Secondly, make full play of the time-tested valuable practices of strategic communication. It is the splendid tradition of the two parties to have frequent in-depth exchange of views on major issues. Both sides should maximize the important role of party-to-party exchanges, promote exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in various areas, and strengthen communication and mutual trust.


Thirdly, actively advance peaceful development. Socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era, and the DPRK's socialist construction has also ushered in a new historical period. We are ready to make joint efforts with the DPRK side, conform to the trend of the times, hold high the banner of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit, continuously improve the wellbeing of the two peoples, and make positive contribution to regional peace, stability and development.
Fourthly, cement the popular will foundation for China-DPRK friendship. The two sides should, through various forms, enhance people-to-people exchanges, consolidate the foundation of popular will for bilateral friendly relations, especially enhance youth exchanges, inherit and carry forward the fine tradition of China-DPRK friendship.


Kim said he was greatly encouraged and inspired by General Secretary Xi's important views on DPRK-China friendship and the development of relations between the two parties and countries.


The DPRK-China friendship, which was founded and nurtured by the elder generations of leaders of both countries, is unshakable, he said. It is a strategic choice of the DPRK to pass on and develop friendship with China under the new situation, and it will remain unchanged under any circumstances.


Kim said his current visit aims to meet Chinese comrades, enhance strategic communication, and deepen traditional friendship, hoping to have opportunities to meet with Comrade General Secretary Xi Jinping often, and keep close contacts through such forms as sending special envoys and personal letters to each other, so as to promote to a new level the guidance of high-level meetings to the relations between the two parties and countries.


The two sides informed each other of their respective domestic situation. Xi said the 19th CPC National Congress had drawn a grand blueprint for building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects -- building a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2020, having basically achieved modernization by 2035 and building a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious, and beautiful by the middle of the century.
The CPC will lead the Chinese people of all ethnic groups in keeping on working with great determination and continuously striving for the realization of the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation, Xi said.


"We have noticed that Comrade Chairman has led the WPK and the people of the DPRK in taking a series of active measures and scoring achievements in developing economy and improving people's wellbeing in recent years," Xi said.


The Chinese side expects political stability, economic development and people's happiness in the DPRK, and supports the WPK, led by Comrade Chairman, in leading the people of the DPRK to advance along the path of socialism, as well as the endeavors by comrades of the DPRK in developing economy and improving people's livelihood, Xi said.


Kim said, since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core has, with tremendous political courage and a strong sense of responsibility, developed new thinking and new ideas, put them into action, and solved many tough problems that were never resolved and accomplished many big things that were long on the agenda but never got done. These achievements fully proved that the lines of the CPC are correct lines that accord with the national conditions. In particular, Comrade General Secretary has put forward the requirements that the Party should exercise effective self-supervision and practice strict self-governance in every respect, which has contributed greatly to Party building and realized the overall Party leadership over all work. At present, the WPK is also intensifying its efforts in fighting against arrogance, bureaucracy and corruption.


Kim said he sincerely hoped that China will continuously make new great achievements in the course of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and a great modern socialist country.


The two leaders thoroughly exchanged views on the situation of the world and the Korean Peninsula.
Xi said that positive changes had taken place on the Korean Peninsula since this year, and China appreciates the important efforts made by the DPRK.
On the Korean Peninsula issue, Xi said that China sticks to the goal of denuclearization of the peninsula, safeguarding peace and stability on the peninsula and solving problems through dialogue and consultation.


China calls on all parties to support the improvement of inter-Korean ties, and take concrete efforts to facilitate peace talks, said Xi, noting that China will continue to play constructive role on the issue and work with all parties, including the DPRK, toward the thaw of the situation on the peninsula.
Kim said that the situation on the Korean Peninsula is starting to get better, as the DPRK has taken the initiative to ease tensions and put forward proposals for peace talks.


"It is our consistent stand to be committed to denuclearization on the peninsula, in accordance with the will of late President Kim Il Sung and late General Secretary Kim Jong Il," he said.


Kim said that the DPRK is determined to transform the inter-Korean ties into a relationship of reconciliation and cooperation and hold summit between the heads of the two sides.


The DPRK is willing to have dialogue with the United States and hold a summit of the two countries, he said.


"The issue of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula can be resolved, if south Korea and the United States respond to our efforts with goodwill, create an atmosphere of peace and stability while taking progressive and synchronous measures for the realization of peace," said Kim.
The DPRK hopes to enhance strategic communication with China during the process, jointly safeguard the trend of consultation and dialogue as well as peace and stability on the peninsula, said Kim.


Before the talks, Xi held a welcoming ceremony for Kim at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People.
After the talks, Xi and Peng held a welcoming banquet for Kim and Ri. While delivering an address, Xi said that in the beautiful season of spring when everything is coming back to life, the unofficial visit of Comrade Kim Jong Un and Lady Ri Sol Ju to China is of great significance for the two countries to deepen communication, strengthen coordination and promote cooperation, and will push the relations between the two parties and the two countries to a new high in the new historical phase, as well as make important contributions to pushing forward the peace, stability and development in the region.


Xi said he had candid and friendly talks with Chairman Kim Jong Un. "We agreed that carrying forward the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK accords with the common interests of both sides, and is the common strategic choice of both sides."
"No matter how the international and regional situation changes, we will both firmly grasp the global development trend and the overall situation of the China-DPRK relationship, strengthen our high-level exchanges, deepen our strategic communication, expand our exchanges and cooperation, and benefit the people of both countries and the people of all countries," he said.


While addressing the banquet, Kim said that as the situation of the Korean Peninsula is undergoing unprecedented changes, he paid a swift visit to China, out of good wishes for promoting peace and stability on the peninsula, and carrying on and developing the DPRK-China friendship.
He said the fact that he chose China as the destination of his first overseas visit showed his will to carry forward the tradition of DPRK-China friendship, and how he valued the friendship between the two countries.


"I have had successful talks with General Secretary Xi Jinping on developing relations between the two parties and the two countries, our respective domestic situation, maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and other issues," he said.


"In this spring full of happiness and hopes, I believe my first meeting with General Secretary Xi Jinping will yield abundant fruits of DPRK-China friendship, and facilitate peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," he said.


During the visit, Xi and Peng held a luncheon for Kim and Ri in the Yangyuanzhai Room of the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. Xi said that the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse has witnessed the development of the traditional friendship between the two countries, and the close relations between leaders of the elder generations of the two parties and two countries "have set an example for us."


"We welcome Chairman Kim Jong Un and Lady Ri Sol Ju to visit China now and again," Xi said.


Kim said that the DPRK-China friendship is especially precious, adding he would like to join hands with Xi to follow the noble will of leaders of the elder generations, carry on and develop the DPRK-China friendship that remains unchanged despite winds and rains, and elevate it to a new high under new circumstances.
Kim also visited an exhibition showcasing the innovation achievements of the Chinese Academy of Sciences since the 18th CPC National Congress. Kim showed his admiration for China's accomplishments in the development and innovation of science and technology, and wrote an inscription to mark the visit.


Ding Xuexiang, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee; Yang Jiechi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee; Guo Shengkun, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the CPC Central Committee; Huang Kunming, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee; Cai Qi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee; and State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the activities.


Choe Ryong Hae, vice-chairman of the WPK Central Committee and director of the Organization and Guidance Department; Pak Kwang Ho, vice-chairman of the WPK Central Committee and director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department; Ri Su Yong, vice-chairman of the WPK Central Committee and director of the International Department; Kim Yong Chol, vice-chairman of the WPK Central Committee and director of the United Front Department and Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho, accompanied Kim Jong Un on his China tour and attended related activities. "

Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un hold talks in Beijing - Xinhua | English.news.cn


An intrested onlooker shares his view and opinion on the reinforced relationship.

Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-un Make History in Beijing ? Eurasia Future

[OhOh]

Another article from a former Indian Ambassador on the recent meeting.

China gives shock therapy to US

"Just as a hypothesis was appearing that the United States “marginalized” China in the processes surrounding the North Korean situation, it gets blown to smithereens. The North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s “unofficial” three-day visit to Beijing is a stark reminder that China is becoming even more central than before in the resolution of the tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

A profound reset of the power dynamic in the Asia-Pacific and internationally has taken place between Sunday and Wednesday. Questions arise as regards the exquisite timing of Kim’s first-ever visit to Beijing, its rich symbolism in this being his first-ever journey abroad after taking the reins of power seven years ago, and what it means.
Both Beijing and Pyongyang must be acutely conscious of the timing. The Xinhua dispatch on the visit cited both Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kim openly noting the regional backdrop. Xi noted that this is “a special time” when “positive changes had taken place on the Korean Peninsula”. Kim noted that “the Korean Peninsula situation is developing rapidly and many important changes have taken place” while “a series of major and happy events” have occurred in China too.


The three key elements discernible from the unusually long 2600-word Xinhua report are:

• Both China and North Korea sense that an open display of fraternal ties is necessary and can be advantageous.
• The ties by far exceed a friendly inter-state relationship. Xi pointedly recalled the past when the two leaderships “maintained close exchanges and paid frequent calls on each other like relatives.” Equally, ideological affinities were stressed. Kim recalled his father and grandfather. There is an attempt to hark back to the past fervor in the relationship, which is thought to have been a bygone era.
• Most important, Kim committed himself to the “denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula”. But he added the expectation that Seoul and Washington should also respond with goodwill and create an atmosphere of peace and stability on the basis of “progressive and synchronous measures for the realization of peace.” In return, he secured China’s assurance of support “no matter how the international and regional situation changes.”

No doubt, Kim received an exceedingly warm welcome with several politburo members in attendance. Kim said “he felt he should come in time to inform Comrade General Secretary Xi Jinping in person the situation out of comradeship and moral responsibility.” Xi remarked, “I am willing to keep frequent contacts with Chairman through various forms such as exchange of visits.” Xi and Kim have personally pledged to mentor the relationship and a line of communication opens directly between them. Xi is staking his prestige.

The Xinhua made no reference to President Donald Trump or his tentative plan to meet Kim in end-May (although surely, the topic would have figured in the talks.) On the other hand, Xi voiced support for the improvement of inter-Korean ties and peace talks. China’s support strengthens Kim’s hands in the upcoming negotiations with his South Korean counterpart President Moon Jae-in.

Kim has once again shown astuteness and statesmanship by securing China’s support precisely just when it matters most to him. Significantly, Kim’s visit to Beijing comes at a time when the US-China relations are buffeted by adverse currents – Trump’s threat of trade war, the Taiwan Travel Act (designed to encourage high-level contacts between Washington and Taipei), and the US Navy’s freedom of navigation operation last weekend within 12 nautical miles of Mischief Reef in the Spratly archipelago.

Kim’s visit to Beijing coincided with China’s Liaoning carrier strike group of more than 40 other warships and submarines conducting drills off the coast of Hainan in the South China Sea in a substantial show of force. Even as Xi and Kim were holding talks, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang called on a visiting US Congressional delegation to “play a constructive role and work with China to maintain the political and public opinion foundations for China-US relations.”

The US faces a dilemma in the weeks ahead. The recent reshuffle in the State Department and the National Security Council has added to the disarray within the Trump administration. The huge uproar in the public opinion over the appointment of John Bolton as the NSA is not helping matters, either. On the other hand, US-Russia tensions are cascading. No one knows whom to dial in Washington.

Beijing is plainly disdainful of Trump’s attempts last week to flex muscle. The signs are that Trump is already backtracking. The Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying was rather “forceful” in her remarks on Tuesday: “I must stress that negotiation is by no means an occasion for one party to make requests in an arrogant and condescending way.”

Having extended a big hand of support, Beijing is enabling Kim to approach the negotiating table from a position of advantage. An editorial in the Global Times notes that “friendly relationship between China and North Korea is an important strategy to protect their interests… which can enhance regional balance and eliminate some unrealistic motives.”

Kim isn’t going to be a pushover for Trump. There is speculation among US analysts that Trump may not want to square up to Kim just yet. But then, wriggling out of engagement may not be easy if the inter-Korean summit in April creates new momentum for peace. How Trump gets filled in on Xi’s talks with Kim may show which way the wind is blowing."



China gives shock therapy to US ? Indian Punchline

[uncle junior]

Nothing will change til the PRC wants it or the US invades.

I can't see trump following thru on the talks anyway

[Klondyke]

^Why not to ask the Boris - known as the model diplomat - to participate in the talks. He would be happy to help in exchange for the overwhelming "solidarity" the US committed even without any evidence - just for the trust...

[OhOh]

North and South Korea Set a Date for Summit Meeting at Border

"SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, and President Moon Jae-in of South Korea will meet for the first time on April 27, officials said on Thursday, setting a date for talks meant to continue the recent détente on the Korean Peninsula and pave the way for discussions between Mr. Kim and President Trump.

Early this month Mr. Kim agreed to a meeting with Mr. Moon, part of a flurry of diplomacy around Pyongyang’s nuclear program that began with the North’s participation last month in the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Senior negotiators from both Koreas met Thursday at Panmunjom, the so-called truce village on the countries’ border, to agree on a date and discuss other aspects of the summit meeting.


The two Korean leaders will meet at Peace House, a South Korean building inside Panmunjom, according to a joint statement the negotiators issued at the end of their talks on Thursday. Peace House lies south of the demarcation line that bisects Panmunjom, which means that Mr. Kim would become the first North Korean leader to set foot in the South since the Korean War.


Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon, the South’s chief delegate to the Panmunjom talks, hinted at progress toward including denuclearization in the agenda for the Kim-Moon meeting. But he said the two Koreas might need another round of high-level talks in coming weeks to settle the matter.


“The South and North agreed on efforts to make the summit successful, sharing its historic significance in denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula, settling peace there and improving inter-Korean relations,” Mr. Cho told reporters.

The meeting will be the third ever held between leaders of the two Koreas. Mr. Kim’s father and predecessor, Kim Jong-il, met with the South Korean presidents Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun in 2000 and 2007, respectively, in Pyongyang, the North Korean capital."

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/29/w...it-border.html


Good Luck.

[OhOh]

Another excellent post from a foreign ex-diplomat.

The art of the Korean deal

By M.K. Bhadrakumar March 25, 2018



“The dramatic breakthrough in the situation around North Korea rests on four pillars: Kim Jong-un’s commitment to denuclearisation, pledge to “refrain” from further nuclear or missile tests, acceptance of “routine” US-South Korea joint military exercises, and his “eagerness to meet President Trump as soon as possible”. It is delicately poised. Unsurprisingly, apocalyptic predictions are rife. But, it is also possible to remain cautiously optimistic.

The upcoming Trump-Kim meeting in May promises to be the “summit of the century”, reminding us in some ways the epochal setting of the Munich Summit of 1938 between Neville Chamberlain and Adolf Hitler under the shadow of war. To be the devil’s advocate, notwithstanding the West’s demonising of Kim, he is acting rationally. Having secured national security through a nuclear deterrent, Kim is making the next logical move, reaching out to adversaries to seek talks and cooperation.

North Korea’s “denuclearisation” will depend on a number of factors– primarily, the US ending its threatening posturing and lifting sanctions. Indeed, big issues are also involved in the downstream, such as the withdrawal of US troops in South Korea, which, in turn, would impact the US’ alliance system in northeast Asia. It could effectively signal the end of the post-1990 world order with profound implications for the role the US will play in Asia.

On the other hand, if the US-North Korea rapprochement takes place under Trump’s watch, it will not only be seen as a world-changing achievement, but also signify a personal triumph for the US president—underscoring his creative and blunt approach backed with artful backroom diplomacy—which will turn the dial in his beleaguered presidency and render the investigation of his “Russia collusion”, et al. a mere footnote, allowing him to surge forward and make his re-election bid in 2020. To be sure, Trump will rise in global stature like no American president since Ronald Reagan. From the “hands-on” role Trump has assumed, he seems conscious of what is at stake. Suffice to say, while the summit with Kim might seem like a gamble by Trump, a long-shot deal with the North Korean leader suits both leaders eminently.

Last, but not the least, the inter-Korean rapprochement is steadily gaining momentum. A summit between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in is due to take place next month. Trump should know that direct negotiations with Kim are better than the alternatives. While America’s economic and military might are locked, loaded and ready for a confrontation with North Korea, the fact remains that Trump will also be at a Rubicon, given the chilling reality that Pyongyang is now thought to have 60 nukes. Thus, many American experts are already arguing that Trump should focus on containing North Korea’s nuclear programme rather than try to eliminate it at this point. It involves Washington abandoning the talk of invasion or regime change, and, instead, focusing on a freezing of the North Korean programme in exchange for sanctions relief or other concessions.

Trump called Xi Jinping on March 9. China’s cooperation in keeping up the “maximum pressure” approach is extremely vital for the US. The current sanctions are real, robust and bound to bite. China is finally helping, and America’s credibility has been boldly restored. Meanwhile, “denuclearisation” is in China’s interests, too, while the overall trajectory—“double suspension” (suspension of US military exercises in lieu of freeze on nuclear/missile tests by Pyongyang) alongside “dual approach” (engagement plus sanctions)— conforms to what Beijing espouses. Again, China is uniquely placed to influence the outcome of the inter-Korean dialogue.

Indeed, China has all along pushed for direct US-North Korea talks. However, Beijing does not visualise a quick solution. The signs from Beijing would indicate where the game is headed.”

[harrybarracuda]

North Korea tells U.S. it is prepared to discuss denuclearisation - source

Matt Spetalnick, David Brunnstrom

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - North Korea has told the United States for the first time that it is prepared to discuss the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula when North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meets President Donald Trump, a U.S. official said on Sunday.

U.S. and North Korean officials have held secret contacts recently in which Pyongyang directly confirmed its willingness to hold the unprecedented summit, the official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The communications, still at a preliminary stage, have involved State Department officials talking to North Korea apparently through its United Nations mission, and intelligence officers from both sides using a separate backchannel, the official said.

Until now, the United States had relied mostly on ally South Korea’s assurance of Kim’s intentions.

South Korean envoys visited Washington last month to convey Kim’s invitation to meet. Trump, who has exchanged bellicose threats with Kim in the past year, surprised the world by quickly agreeing to meet Kim to discuss the crisis over Pyongyang’s development of nuclear weapons capable of hitting the United States.

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-no...HF0WS?rpc=401&

[OhOh]

Discuss it of course. Agree to it is another thing. Isn't that what meetings are for? This has been stated many times to various countries leaders.

[harrybarracuda]

Discuss it of course. Agree to it is another thing. Isn't that what meetings are for? This has been stated many times to various countries leaders.

OK so now we've established that you have reading comprehension problems. Maybe time for a medical.

North Korea has told the United States for the first time