Amid public attacks and threats between President Donald Trump and North Korean President Kim Jong-Un, government officials in Pyongyang have been trying to hold behind-the-scenes discussions with Republican party officials. According to the CNN and The Washington Post, North Korean officials have decided to take this action to seek to get an idea of the mixed signals coming from the Trump administration.
No direct talks between the US and North Korea
Despite warnings by the United States and economic sanctions imposed on it by the United Nations, North Korea has consistently insisted that it is not willing to engage in direct negotiations with Trump's government.
The reclusive state has continued to rapidly develop its controversial nuclear weapons, going as far as to threaten an attack on the US protectorate of Guam.
Per CNN, the United States has continually stated that it prefers a diplomatic resolution to the issue, however, neither Pyongyang nor the US has been inclined to back down and compromise on the main themes that could make formal negotiations easier. Several experts have pointed out that the hardline stance assumed by the two nuclear powers could lead to mistakes, which could lead to a full-blown nuclear war.
A few weeks ago, Donald Trump threatened to unleash "fire and fury" on North Korea, if they refused to toe the line. Amid the constant war of words between the US President and Kim Jong-Un, North Korea is trying to initiate what is described as "two-track" negotiations with their American counterparts.
Normally in such types of negotiations, it is common for the concerned parties to approach scholars or former government officials to facilitate them. According to experts who are involved in the plans, the US government is made aware whenever such meetings take place and are furnished with any details discussed.
Attempt to understand Trump's policies
According to CNN, North Korea began its outreach in January after Donald Trump ascended into power. North Korean officials want to gain a better understanding as to how Trump's policies could be different from his predecessor's. An official who served on the staffs of President Ronald Reagan and George H.W.
Bush's National Security Council was approached by North Korea. The former officer, Douglas Paal, said that Pyongyang wanted to get a feel of Donald Trump's view on their country, but was not successful. Former CIA analyst Bruce Klinger stated that it could be hard for the North to get the information it wants because it is often difficult to accurately gauge the parameters of the government's foreign policy.
According to Klinger, if North Korea is serious about serious talks with the United States, official communications channels are the best approach.
