After the historic meeting between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un in Singapore in June, the world was relieved because fears of a nuclear war had receded. The two leaders had apparently arrived at an understanding about denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and the US President was on cloud nine. However, the lack of progress on the subject has become a matter of concern for the Trump administration.

The Guardian UK reports that the US Secretary of Defense, James Mattis, has indicated that the US could be resuming its military exercises with South Korea.

These had been put on hold by Donald Trump during the summit meeting with Kim Jong-un. It was a gesture of goodwill to ease tension in the region.

North Korea appears to be dragging its feet

The military exercises between the US and South Korea were suspended at the instance of Donald Trump. It was to facilitate talks with Kim Jong-un and draw up a roadmap for the future on denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. The decision that was taken by the US President came as a surprise for officials of both South Korea and the United States.

However, in spite of the peace efforts initiated by Washington, the response of Pyongyang leaves much to be desired. Trump has already canceled a proposed trip by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to Pyongyang.

North Korea has never taken kindly to military exercises in the Korean peninsula and has usually responded in the past with threats of force.

If these are resumed, it could disturb the sense of peace in the region and war clouds will reappear. That will not help the cause.

Korean Peninsula is again tense

According to CNN, President Donald Trump hailed the summit with Kim Jong-un as a huge success but, subsequent developments paint a picture of frustration. It was expected that North Korea would work towards fulfillment of its side of the bargain related to denuclearization, and progress on this front is raising doubts about the future of the peace process.

The diplomatic initiative that began with the Trump-Kim summit in Singapore appears to have lost steam and unless a proper strategy is adopted, fears of a direct conflict could resurface in the Korean Peninsula. Reports indicate that the hermit kingdom has not abandoned its programs related to missiles and has also not given any account of its inventory of nuclear weapons. It is difficult to forecast how events will shape up because both Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un are unpredictable. They must ensure that the situation does not go out of control.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED