On Thursday afternoon (Mar. 8) a letter from North Korea’s Kim Jong Un was delivered to Donald Trump at the direction of South Korea’s President. The message contained an invite to meet with Kim Jong Un and begin diplomacy talks. It should be noted that in North Korea, as it is in many cultures, written communication is considered of great import and shows a deep level of respect from the sender.
Another layer to this epic moment in US history is the fact that the United States has never received a friendly communication from North Korea — despite several diplomatic attempts from previous administrations. It would appear that the White House recognized the importance of the messages which served as a catalyst for an impromptu press briefing. This was news that took the Pentagon and many unwitting White House officials by surprise.
According to CNN’s Jim Acosta, General H.R. McMaster met with South Korea’s delegation early Thursday (Mar. 8) afternoon which was when they first unveiled Kim Jong Un’s offer.
Within an hour of receiving the message, the POTUS went to the White House briefing room and gleefully told the media, “Hey guys, have I got a story for you.” This is the first time Trump had even been to the briefing room to speak to reporters.
A lot of sweet nothings and a proposal
Hours later, Chung Eui-Yong, South Korea’s National Security Adviser, took to the podium and stated that the POTUS’ maximum pressure and leadership, along with the solidarity of the international community had brought all involved to this point. The South Korean NSA went on to express Kim Jong Un’s eagerness to meet with Trump and engage in diplomatic talks.
Kim’s sycophancies were filled with flattery and recognition of Trump’s leadership.The dictator’s message attempted to ensure good faith and sincerity in the name of diplomacy, by proposing to freeze their missile testing.
This was also to show Kim's commitment to denuclearization and that he understood that current joint military exercises between the US and South Korea would continue.
Chung Eui-Yong went on to tell America that President Trump had accepted the North Korean dictator’s invitation to talk, with the possibility of meeting as early as May 2018. This would be shortly after both South and North Korea’s presidents meet in late April.
What the heck is going on?
Political journalists, analysts, and commentators have already begun weighing in on the new budding bromance between the two leaders. Some believe the POTUS is being played. The biggest reaction to the pending coffee date is shock, awe and sheer surprise.
Most believe the dictator is seizing this opportunity —Trump being in office — to work out a deal that will benefit his regime, even though current imposed UN sanctions won’t be lifted any time soon. Others have pointed to Kim Jong Un’s financial status as a motivating factor to engage in talks.
The inference is that the sanctions placed on the country are likely taking a toll on Kim’s purse strings. It is also believed that Kim Jong Un has figured out Trump and sees this as an opportunity to work out a deal and get what he wants from this POTUS.
Flashing yellow lights
Thursday (Mar.8) evening, political commentator, Scott Jennings told CNN’s Anderson Cooper that pressure is off and a nuclear war with North Korea is unlikely now because of the efforts of Trump.
Perhaps this is false hope and possibly Kim Jong Un’s strategy. Congressman Lindsey Graham thinks so and expressed his thoughts on social media late Thursday evening (Mar. 8) warning Kim Jong Un what would happen if this is a game.
Republicans spent the evening celebrating Trump and championing his leadership on the matter as something no other president has done. However, Americans should also remember that in the latter part of 2017, Kim Jong Un said he would not sit down and talk until he had improved his nuclear capabilities and distance of his missiles. Has that day now come, considering there have been months of silence and now Kim speaks?
History has shown that North Korea has been steadfast in advancing their nuclearization program, and has never kept their word on halting missile developments.
Regardless of frenzied emotions, shock or partisanship, one thing is clear, the tactics of North Korea have changed. Perhaps the best strategy and current course of action for the US is to go slow and proceed with caution on all fronts — advice best heeded, for any and all entering into a new relationship.