Will Japan Be Left Out Of The Current Korean Talks?

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un talks with the South Korean delegation led by Chung Eui-yong, head of the presidential National Security Office, in Pyongyang, North Korea, March 6, 2018. The Presidential Blue House/Yonhap via REUTERS/File Photo

Reuters: Possibility of North Korea detente stirs diplomatic angst in Japan

TOKYO (Reuters) - An agreement between North and South Korea to hold a summit and signals about possible talks between North Korea and the United States are stirring concern in Japan about its diplomatic nightmare - being left out in the cold.

Signs of easing tension over North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats, greeted in Tokyo with skepticism, come as Japan faces a possible trade feud with the United States over steel and rocky ties with South Korea over their bitter history, including Japan’s 1910-1945 colonization of the peninsula.

“The main concern is that South Korea may have jumped too easily to a proposal by North Korea for a bilateral meeting,” said a former senior Japanese diplomat who declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the topic.

A South Korean delegation returned home on Tuesday from a first-ever meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, to announce the agreement on a North-South summit next month, the first since 2007.

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WNU Editor: The momentum that both the U.S. and Japan have been pushing for on North Korean sanctions has definitely hit a road-block. Right now .... this entire process of talking with North Korea will need to play itself out .... and yes, the Japanese are going to be left out.

Reactions To Yesterday's Talks Between North And South Korea

BBC: Donald Trump cautious on N Korea nuclear disarmament talks

Donald Trump has reacted cautiously to news that North Korea is willing to talk about giving up its nuclear weapons if it did not feel threatened.

The US president said "the statements coming out of South Korea and North Korea have been very positive", but also said it might be a "false hope".

South Korea earlier said the subject was raised when its officials met the North's leader, Kim Jong-un, on Monday.

Seoul said Mr Kim was also open to US talks, and would pause weapons testing.

In previous programmes to halt its nuclear ambitions, the North has failed to keep its promises.

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WNU editor: He is no statesman .... South Korea meeting gives Kim Jong Un new role: Statesman (AP).

Reactions To Yesterday's Talks Between North And South Korea

Trump sees 'positive' statements on possible North Korea talks -- Reuters
Trump on Korean news: Could be ‘progress’ or ‘false hope’ -- AP
Trump declines to identify preconditions for North Korea talks, eyes progress -- Reuters
Trump: 'Possible Progress' on North Korea May Also Be 'False Hope' -- Voice of America
Cautious Trump sees 'possible progress' with North Korea -- AFP
Trump: 'No question' progress made on North Korea -- Politico
Top US intelligence chiefs are skeptical of North Korea's offer to talk about its nuclear weapons program -- CNBC
US intelligence chief 'skeptical' on NKorea talks offer -- AFP
U.S. to keep pressure on North Korea until denuclearization: Pence -- Reuters
Russia endorses North Korea 'Olympic reconciliation' on Facebook -- UPI
China says hopes North, South Korea can continue reconciliation efforts -- Reuters
China welcomes South Korea meeting with Kim Jong Un -- UPI

Korea's Leaders Will Meet In April. North Korea Will Stop Nuclear And Missile Talks If U.S. Enters Into Negotiating

BBC: Kim Jong-un to meet S Korea leader at April summit

The leaders of North and South Korea are due to meet at a summit of the two countries next month, Seoul's envoy has said after a rare trip to Pyongyang.

N Korea's Kim Jong-un also said he was willing to talk to the US about getting rid of nuclear weapons, he said.

There have been previous programmes to halt the North's nuclear ambitions, but it has failed to keep its promises.

It will be the first meeting between the leaders of the two countries for more than a decade.

The two men will meet on the heavily fortified border next month, at the truce village of Panmunjom. The two countries also agreed to open a hotline between the leaders.

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WNU editor: We have been down this path before .... A look at significant meetings between the Koreas (AP). More here .... Factbox: History of failure - Efforts to negotiate on North Korean disarmament (Reuters).

More News On The Outcome Of Yesterday's Korean Talks

The Latest: Trump says ‘possible progress’ in N. Korea talks -- AP
Two Koreas to hold summit, North ready for denuclearization talks: Seoul -- AFP
North Korea open to relinquishing nuclear weapons, says Seoul -- The Guardian
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un agrees to summit talks with South Korea next month -- ABC News Online
South and North Korea agree to hold joint summit -- DW
North Korea says it will halt nuclear and missile tests while talking with US, Seoul says -- Washington Post
Kim Jong Un willing to talk about denuclearization -- UPI
North Korea open to freezing nuclear weapons tests amid talks -- Al Jazeera
North Korea said to be open to nuke talks with US -- AP
North Korea says it's ready to negotiate with the US. But don't get too excited yet. -- Vox

Kim Jong-un 'Wants Closer North-South Korea Ties'

BBC: Kim Jong-un 'wants closer North-South Korea ties'

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has said he wants to "vigorously advance" closer ties with South Korea, according to state media.

The report follows a rare visit to Pyongyang by senior South Korean officials, who had dinner with the normally reclusive leader.

They are the first officials from Seoul to meet Mr Kim since he came to power.

It's part of a fast-moving wave of rapprochement on the Korean peninsula surrounding the Winter Olympics.

South Korea has only commented briefly on the meeting, saying the two sides had reached a "satisfactory agreement" on holding future talks.

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WNU Editor: Is this to good to be true? Probably.

More News On North Korean Leader Kim Jong-Un Wanting Closer Ties With South Korea

Kim Jong Un, South Korean envoys reach “satisfactory agreement” at summit: KCNA -- NK News
Kim Jong-un expresses 'firm will' to improve inter-Korean ties during rare talks -- ABC News Online
North Korea leader wants to advance Korea ties, makes agreement with South - KCNA -- Reuters
North Korea's Kim Jong Un Wants to 'Write a New History' With South Korea After Talks -- TIME
North Korea claims 'satisfactory agreement' with envoys from South -- Nikkei Asian Review
Kim Jong-un reaches 'satisfactory agreement' with South Korean delegation -- RT

South Korean Envoys Meet North Korean Leader Kim Jong-Un In Pyongyang

The Guardian: South Korea delegation meets Kim in Pyongyang before historic talks

Delegation has travelled to North Korean capital with aim to denuclearise peninsula and foster US talks

A high-ranking South Korean delegation has met the North Korean dictator in Pyongyang on a historic visit aimed at reducing nuclear tensions and paving the way for US talks.

Kim Jong-un hosted a dinner on Monday evening for the 10-strong delegation of special envoys, who touched down in the capital earlier in the day.

Before leaving Seoul, Chung Eui-yong, the head of the presidential national security office who is leading the delegation, said the key aim was denuclearisation.

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More News On South Korea's Envoys Meeting North Korean Leader Kim Jong-Un In Pyongyang

The Latest: China welcomes S Korean envoys’ trip to N Korea -- AP
South Koreans meet North Korean leader Kim for talks about talks -- Reuters
South Korean envoys in historic trip to North, meet Kim -- AFP
Kim Jong Un hosts dinner for South Korean officials in Pyongyang -- CNN
North Korea's Kim Jong-un meets South Korean envoys -- BBC
Top South Korea security officials talk nuclear in North -- DW
South Korea sends envoys to North Korea for talks -- UPI
North Korea's Kim Jong-un meets South Korea envoys in Pyongyang -- Al Jazeera
Pentagon 'cautiously optimistic' about talks between North, South Korea -- Reuters

North Korea Rules Out Talks With US.. Preconditions. Threatens To 'Counter' U.S. Over Military Drills With South Korea

© Sputnik/ Maria Frolov

Sputnik: We Won’t ‘Beg for Dialogue’: North Korea Rules Out Talks With US Preconditions

North Korea lambasted the US for making up preconditions for dialogue between states, as Seoul prepares to send an envoy to Pyongyang to find a way to ease the nuclear standoff.

A North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman said Saturday that dialogue between Pyongyang and Washington is "possible," but underscored that it will happen only on equal footing and without preconditions.

"There had been no case at all where we sat with the US on any precondition, and this will be the case in future, too" the spokesman said, according to North Korea's KCNA agency.

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More News On North Korea Ruling Out Talks With US Preconditions

North Korea rejects 'preconditions' for U.S. talks -- UPI
Pro-Pyongyang newspaper: US must create ‘right conditions’ for talks with N Korea -- Asia Times
North Korea, Seeking 'Equal Footing,' Rejects Preconditions for US Talks -- New York Times
NK rejects talks with US 'under preconditions' -- Korea Herald
North Korea threatens to 'counter' U.S. over military drills -- Reuters
North Korea ready to 'take measures' against U.S. sanctions and joint drills with South Korea -- UPI
North Korea threatens to 'counter' US over military drills with the South -- FOX News
North Korea threatens to 'counter' US over joint military drills -- Korea Times
North Korea: US military drills harm reconciliation -- Al Jazeera
North Korea Says it's Ready For War with US -- Al Bawaba

South Korea Sending Envoys To North Korea For Talks On Monday

Reuters: South Korea sending envoys to North Korea as Trump suggests U.S. willing to talk

South Korea will dispatch a delegation led by senior security officials for a two-day visit to North Korea starting Monday, the presidential Blue House announced Sunday, as U.S. President Donald Trump hinted that he is ready to talk to Pyongyang.

For its part, North Korea said it was not begging to talk with Washington and denounced upcoming U.S.-South Korean joint-military exercises, warning that it would take counter measures against the United States if they went ahead.

The drills will take place next month, a South Korean presidential security adviser said according to the Yonhap news agency. They had been delayed until after the Winter Olympics and Paralympic games in South Korea.

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More News On South Korea Sending Envoys To North Korea For Talks

South Korean special envoys to visit North Korea on Monday, later brief U.S. officials -- Reuters
High-level Seoul officials to head to North Korea for talks -- AP
S. Korea's Moon to send special envoys to North on Monday -- AFP
Moon sends five special envoys to Pyongyang today -- Korea JoongAng Daily
S. Korea's spy chief to visit North as special envoy: report -- AFP
South Korea to send envoys to North Korea to discuss ties, talks -- UPI
South Korea to send special envoys to North for talks -- DW
South Korea envoys to visit North following Olympic detente -- Al Jazeera

WNU Editor: I do not know if President Trump was serious or it was a joke ....

Trump tells Gridiron: North Korea 'called up' and 'would like to talk' -- CNN
Trump says North Korea 'called up,' seeking talks with the United States -- Chicago Tribune/Washington Post
Donald Trump suggests he will talk to Pyongyang as South Korea sends envoy to North Korea -- ABC News Online
Was he joking? Trump tells Gridiron dinner US will meet with North Korea - just as Pyongyang urges America to hold dialogue without any strings attached -- Daily Mail

South Korea To Send Special Envoy To North Korea

New York Times: South Korea Tells U.S. It Will Send Envoy to North Korea

SEOUL, South Korea — President Moon Jae-in of South Korea told President Trump on Thursday that he planned to send a special envoy to North Korea as part of his effort to broker talks between the United States and the North on ending its nuclear weapons program.

President Moon’s office said he talked with Mr. Trump on the phone on Thursday to discuss joint strategies, based upon the discussions Mr. Moon and his aides have held with senior North Korean officials who visited the South last month to attend the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics in Pyeongchang.

“The two heads of state agreed to keep the momentum in South-North Korean dialogue and continue efforts to use it to lead to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula,” Mr. Moon’s office said in a statement. “To that end, President Moon notified President Trump that his government will soon send a special envoy to the North to confirm the discussions it has held with the high-level North Korean delegates.”

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More News On South Korea Sending A Special Envoy To North Korea

South Korea to send envoy to the North after Olympic cooperation -- Global News/AP
South Korea to send special envoy to North Korea: Blue House -- NK News
Seoul to encourage thaw by sending envoy to North Korea -- The Guardian
South Korea will send envoy to North -- Sydney Morning Herald
South Korea tells Trump it plans to send special envoy to North Korea: report -- The Hill
Moon to Send Special Envoy to N.Korea -- The Chosun Ilbo
US, S. Korea in close contact on Seoul's envoy to NK: State Dept. -- Yonhap News

Could President Trump Get a Nobel Peace Prize If He Solves The North Korean Nuclear Crisis Peacefully?

Irvin Studdin, South China Morning Post: It’s no joke: the North Korean nuclear crisis could get Trump the Nobel Peace Prize

The US president’s unpredictability has pushed the peninsula to the brink of nuclear war, but it’s that same caprice that could save us all from Armageddon.

The presidency of Donald Trump has made the dividing line between nuclear war and a Nobel Peace Prize increasingly thin. The very same extreme caprice and disregard for precedent that have amplified the military pressure and posturing on the Korean peninsula over the past year can quickly transform the logic of the endgame to one of spectacular peace and reconciliation.

To be clear, if the thinking in Washington today no longer excludes the idea of pre-emptive and, by likely implication, nuclear war with North Korea, then the prospect of near-term escalation in the domestic crisis surrounding the White House could soon yield to a “consolidation action” – in military form – by Trump that launches Asia and the world into a massive war.

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WNU Editor: Not going to happen. Even if President Trump solves the North Korean crisis peacefully .... and a few other conflicts around the world .... tThe Nobel committee in Oslo is so far to the left and completely opposite to everything that President Trump believes in .... that they would prefer to commit seppuku than bestowing him the Nobel Peace Prize.

What Are The Consequences Of A 'Bloody Nose' Attack On North Korea?

Michael O'Hanlon and James Kirchick, The Hill: 'Bloody nose' attack in Korea would have lasting consequences

Is President Trump really considering a preventive military action of some kind after the Olympic season is over in Korea?

National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster has just denied that possibility, telling a bipartisan group of senators last week that the administration has no plans to carry out a so-called "bloody nose" attack against North Korea to constrain its nuclear weapons or long-range missile programs.

But the idea has been circulating too long to be put to rest quite that easily, and President Trump has just kept it alive at the CPAC conference on Friday in Washington by stating that if sanctions against North Korea fail, we may have to consider “Phase 2.”

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WNU Editor: Tensions on the Korean peninsula are now so high right now that any attack .... from any side .... will probably quickly precipitate into a shooting war. But I do believe in the reports that there is no desire from within the White House to actually go through with such an attack .... at least for now.

South Korea: North Korea Willing To Enter Into Talks With The U.S.

The Guardian: North Korea willing to start direct talks with US, says South Korea

Announcement comes as controversial North Korean general mobbed on visit to Winter Olympics.

North Korea is willing to start direct talks with the US, with the move coming as a high-level delegation from Pyongyang, headed by a controversial general, arrived for the Winter Olympics closing ceremony.

Pyongyang also said the relationship between the two Koreas and US-North Korean ties should advance in tandem, according to South Korea’s presidential Blue House. The announcement on Sunday comes after president Moon Jae-in met the head of the North Korean delegation, Kim Yong-chol, vice-chairman of the ruling Workers’ party’s central committee.

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WNU Editor: The South Koreans are saying that the North wants to enter into talks, but the North Koreans are saying something else .... N. Korea slams latest US sanctions as 'act of war' (AFP). What's my take. The South Korean administration of Moon Jae-in has been pushing for these talks since his election win last year .... but this approach runs counter to the U.S. and Japanese policy of forcing the North Koreans to make the initial concession that they will disband their nuclear and missile programs before these talks can even begin. The fact that the North Koreans have publicly stated that they will not even put this on the table .... makes IMHO any talks pointless. So why the push from the South Koreans. I think it is because South Korean President Moon Jae-in believes that the process of just having these talks will be more than enough to provide the necessary momentum that will lead to discussions on North Korea's nuclear arsenal. I personally think this approach is a mistake. The North Korean government is a Stalinist structured regime, and its leadership has never wavered from their primary goal of unifying the peninsula under their rule .... and by force if necessary. I have always had the position that it is only when this commitment to regime change is renounced by the North Koreans via through a peace treaty to end the war (both countries are still at a state of war).... even before talks can begin on their nuclear arsenal .... that I can see such talks bearing fruit. But to have these talks now .... it will fracture the current policy of isolating North Korea. and it will give the excuse to the Chinese and the Russians that they should alleviate the timeline for implementing sanctions on the North Koreans as agreed to at the UN a few months ago.

More News On South Korean Reports That North Korea Is Willing To Enter Into Talks With The U.S.

North Korea says open to talks with United States: South Korea's presidential office -- Reuters
North Korea willing to hold talks with US, says South Korea -- BBC
North Korean envoy, in South, opens door to US talks -- AP
Political end to Olympics: NKorea offers talks with US -- AP
Chief N. Korean delegate says N. Korea willing to hold talks with U.S. -- Yonhap
North Korea open to talks with United States, South Korea says -- ABC News Online
North Korea condemns sanctions, but seen open to talks with U.S. -- Reuters
North Korean Envoy Says Country Is Willing to Open Talks With the U.S. -- Time
North Korea slams US for sanctions & ‘clouds of war’ but says it is open for talks -- RT
North Korea willing to hold talks with US, ex-spy chief says -- FOX News

Will Resumption Of U.S.-South Korea Joint Military Exercises Mark The End Of The Current Diplomatic Outreach To North Korea?

South Korean President Moon Jae-in talks with president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of North Korea Kim Young Nam as Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, looks on.

Brian Padden, VOA: US, S. Korea Military Exercises Could End Outreach to Nuclear North

SEOUL — The resumption of U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises, which were postponed until after the PyeongChang Olympics and Paralympics end in late March, could also mark the end of the current diplomatic outreach to North Korea.

The annual joint exercises include the Key Resolve strategic simulation drill, where U.S. and South Korean troops and military assets are deployed to respond to potential North Korean threats, and field exercises called Foal Eagle. Past drills involved nearly 20,000 American troops, 300,000 South Korean forces, and an array of bomber aircrafts, fighter jets and warships.

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WNU Editor: North Korea wants to get rid of sanctions. They may walk away .... but doing so will alienate China and Russia who are supporting these talks, and it will not solve the problem of sanctions.

Who Snubbed Who In Korea? South Korea Is Blaming The U.S.

U.S. Vice President Pence and Kim Yo Jong

Donald Kirk, Daily Beast: Who Snubbed Who in Korea? Was it Pence’s Truculence, or Little Sister Kim’s Reticence?

The Trump administration, finally reacting to the diplomatic snafu at the Winter Olympics, blames the North Koreans. The South Koreans are saying, ‘Not so fast.’

PYEONGCHANG, South Korea—Days after the snub seen round the world, when U.S. Vice President Mike Pence appeared ossified, staring ahead in stony silence at the Winter Olympics rather than glance at the sister of North Korea’s leader, who was standing behind him, the Trump administration has let it be known that, really, the other side balked.

Pence’s trip was widely derided, even by advocates of a hard line toward the North Korean regime, as a major diplomatic fumble. (He also managed to offend his hosts by declining to stand when North and South Korean teams marched under a single flag at the opening ceremony.)

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Update: White House: North Korea Cancelled A Meeting With Vice President Pence At The Last Minute (February 21, 2018).

WNU Editor: The number one priority for the administration of South Korean President Moon Jae-in since his election win last year has been to position himself so that he can engage into talks with North Korea. But the problem has always been the same .... the North Koreans regard his government as a puppet of the U.S.. The above Daily Beast article even recognizes this  .... President Moon is still making U.S.-North Korean negotiations a top priority, almost a prerequisite, before he can accept Kim Jong Un’s invitation, delivered to him personally by Yo Jong, to meet in Pyongyang. What is my  take .... President Moon is in a bind. The U.S. is not going to get into a general conversation with the North Korea leadership just to make President Moon feel that this  process will lead to something. The U.S. will only engage when it knows what the outcome will be .... in short .... the diplomats will find common ground that the leadership can agree with .... and then build from there so that the leaders and/or senior officials can meet. But it is not going to happen .... because the problem has always been the same. The #1 goal of  the North Korean leadership has  been the to unify the peninsula under their leadership, and nuclear weapons has always been viewed as an important ingredient for them to achieve that goal. They are not going to bargain that away. It is only when that mindset changes .... that things may change .... and giving the visiting North Korean officials expensive meals is not going to achieve that .... It cost US$260 per meal to feed North Korean special guests, including Kim Jong-un’s sister during Olympics visit (SCMP).

Some Are Hoping That The Olympics Has Given Momentum For Talks Between The U.S. And North Korea

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, North Korea's nominal head of state Kim Yong Nam, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's younger sister Kim Yo Jong, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe are seen at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Pyeongchang, South Korea, Feb. 9, 2018.

Sebastian Sprenger, Defense News: Is momentum building for talks between the United States and North Korea?

A Republican lawmaker said the United States is “of course” open to talk with North Korea in an effort to defuse an escalating conflict over that country’s nuclear weapons program.

Rep. Michael Turner, R-Ohio, a member of the Armed Services Committee, made the comment at the Munich Security Conference in response to a question from a Chinese government delegate, who asked whether there was support in Congress to engage in a dialogue with the rogue regime.

A week ago, Vice President Mike Pence first opened the prospect for some form of bilateral engagement all the while continuing the international community’s sanctions in an interview with the Washington Post.

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WNU Editor: This push for talks is coming from South Korean President Moon Jae-in .... South Korean President Hopes Olympics Will Prompt US Dialogue With North (Wall Street Journal). But I do not see it happening. North Korea is not going to end its missile/nuclear programs, but they want the lifting of sanctions .... North Korea likely to seek weakening of global sanctions amid fuel crisis (UPI). The U.S. is not interested in lifting sanctions unless the North Koreans end their missile/nuclear programs. Where is the middle ground to even begin having discussions? There is none. In the end this is a crisis that only the South and North Koreans can resolve .... but South Korean President Moon Jae-in is even backing away from that because he knows too well on far apart all sides are .... South Korean President Moon Jae-in Says It Is Too Soon To Talk To North Korea (February 17, 2018)

South Korean President Moon Jae-in Says It Is Too Soon To Talk To North Korea

South Korean President Moon Jae-in talks North Korea's Kim Young Nam and Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un. Seoul, South Korea, February 10, 2018 © Yonhap via / Reuters

CNN: South Korea's Moon puts brakes on hopes for quick talks with North

Pyeongchang, South Korea (CNN)South Korean President Moon Jae-in said Saturday it was too early to talk about hosting a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, hinting he would not rush the matter.

A high-level delegation from the North invited Moon to Pyongyang for talks with his North Korean counterpart while in South Korea last week for the opening of the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.

The delegation's unprecedented visit was hailed in some quarters as a diplomatic breakthrough, but Moon must now chart a way through tricky diplomatic waters.

"There are high expectations and our hearts seem to be getting impatient. It is like the old saying, seeking a scorched-rice water from a well," Moon told journalists in Pyeongchang after being asked whether he planned to hold a summit with North Korea.

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Update #1: Moon says mood for inter-Korean summit not yet ripe (Korea Times).
Update #2: US, South Korea say too soon to talk weapons with North (NYPost)

WNU Editor: Key diplomats and officials from North Korea and South Korea will be talking with each other for the next few months to discuss the agenda and the points to be covered when these leaders meet. My prediction is that they will meet this summer. I am also expecting no nuclear or missile tests until then.

North Korea Is Reaching Out To South Korea Becuase Of Fears That Trump May Attack

This photo shows North Korean defector Ri Jong-ho (R) and an interpreter at a forum in Washington on Feb. 14, 2018. (Yonhap)

Washington Examiner: Kim Jong Un fears Trump will attack, and is reaching out to South Korea to buy time, former North Korea official says

Kim Jong Un has been reaching out to the South Korean government in an effort to buy time to develop his nuclear program amid fears that the U.S. will launch a preventative strike on the North, a defector who worked for the regime said Wednesday.

The former ruling party official, Ri Jong-ho, said the North Korean leader’s willingness to engage with the South and participate in the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics has been out of concern for an attack on his country, Yonhap News Agency reported.

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Update: N.K. leader fears U.S. preventative strike: defector (Yonhap News Agency)

WNU Editor: North Korea is reaching out to South Korea for other reasons .... mainly economic, and primarily to get rid of sanctions. As for a U.S. attack .... this report is probably right .... No ‘bloody nose’ strategy for North Korea, says U.S. official, senators (Defense News).

Top U.S. Admiral: North Korean Leader Kim Jong-Un Wants To Use Nuclear Weapons To Unify The Korean Peninsula Under His Rule

The Hill: Top admiral: North Korea wants to reunify peninsula, not protect rule

The admiral in charge of U.S. military operations in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region said Wednesday he believes North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s objective with his nuclear weapons program is the unification of the Korean peninsula, rather than the “prevailing” view that Kim’s motivation is to maintain power.

“I do think that there is a prevailing view that [Kim Jong Un] is doing the things that he’s doing to safeguard his regime; I don’t ascribe to that view,” Adm. Harry Harris, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, told the House Armed Services Committee. “I do think that he is after reunification under a single communist system.”

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WNU Editor: The unification of the Korean Peninsula has always been the number one priority for the North Korean regime since the end of the Korean war.

More News On Adm. Harry Harris' Remarks That North Korean Leader Kim Jong-Un Wants To Use Nuclear Weapons To Unify The Korean Peninsula Under His Rule

Admiral says North Korea aiming to reunify Korean Peninsula -- AP
Top US admiral warns of China's growing military might -- AFP
U.S. commander: N.K. seeks reunification under communist system -- Yonhap News Agency
The US Pacific commander says Kim Jong Un wants nuclear weapons to conquer South Korea -- Business Insider

North Korean Leader Kim Jong-Un Calls For Further Reconciliation With South Korea

BBC: Winter Olympics: Kim Jong-un calls for further reconciliation

North Korea's leader has called for a "further livening up" of the "warm climate of reconciliation" with the South created by the Winter Olympics.

Kim Jong-un, whose nuclear bomb and missile tests have stoked international tension, praised the South for hosting his state at the games in Pyeongchang.

Kim's apparent Games charm offensive was led by his sister Kim Yo-jong.

South Korean President President Moon Jae-in has meanwhile said the US is open to talking with the North.

He did not elaborate and may have been referring to a remark by US Vice-President Mike Pence on his flight back to Washington from the Games.

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WNU Editor: Expect a South Korean response to North Korea's overtures after the Olympics .... Seoul considering follow-up response to Kim Jong-un's summit invitation (The Hankyoreh).

More News On North Korean Leader Kim Jong-Un Calling For Further Reconciliation With South Korea

Kim Jong Un lauds "climate of reconciliation" at Olympics -- CBS/AFP
North Korea issues statement applauding South Korea's hospitality toward its delegates at the Winter Olympics -- Business Insider
Kim wants to 'boost climate of reconciliation' with South Korea -- RTE
Kim Jong Un impressed with South Korea's treatment of sister, willing to 'improve relations' -- National Post/Bloomberg
Kim Jong Un 'impressed' with South Korea's efforts, state media says -- CNN
Hosting North Korea Is Costing South Korea $2 Million, But At Least Kim Jong Un Is Grateful -- Newsweek

After Taking The Spotlight At The Olympics, North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un’s Sister Departs South Korea

The Guardian: 'Humble' Kim Yo-jong has charmed the media, but the glow is unlikely to last

With her ‘deadly side-eye’ and ‘nimble’ ways, the sister of North Korean leader has been the centre of attention since she arrived at the Winter Games

Amid a sea of television cameras and journalists, Kim Yo-jong worked her way through the crowd surrounded by a horde of bodyguards. As she made her way through the room she was silent and always smiling.

The younger sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has been the centre of attention since she landed in South Korea for an historic three-day visit as part of attending the Winter Olympics opening ceremony.

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WNU Editor: The U.S. is saying that nothing has changed .... After S. Korea visit, Pence insists ‘no daylight’ on North (AP). More here .... North Korea: US says 'no daylight' between allies despite warmer ties (BBC) and here .... Amid Olympic thaw, Pence says allies united in isolating N. Korea (Reuters). I disagree .... the South Korean President has made it his top priority to develop an environment for detente with North Korea, and as far as he is concern, he now sees an opportunity to grab it. The U.S. and Japan may disagree on this approach .... but from what I am hearing and seeing, it is falling on deaf ears in South Korea. Bottom line .... this is a huge diplomatic win for North Korea, and a convenient excuse for both China and Russia to now say that maybe sanctions should precede cautiously and (maybe) rescinded. As to how is this being received in North Korea .... there is a media black-out .... North Korea keeps mum on summit invite as its delegation completes South visit (Reuters).

More News And Commentary On The Impact Of Kim Yo-jong's Visit To South Korea

The Latest: Kim Jong Un’s sister departs South Korea -- AP
S. Korea's Moon watches concert with Kim Jong Un's sister -- AFP
South Korea’s Moon may be on brink of legacy-defining moment -- AP
South and North Korean officials continue exchange during Olympics -- UPI
Kim Jong Un’s sister heads home after whirlwind SKorea visit -- AP
'Ivanka Trump of North Korea' Captivates World's Media at Winter Olympics -- Sputnik
As Olympics shift to sports, what on Earth just happened? -- Ted Anthony, AP
Hard road ahead for Olympics detente: analysts -- AFP

North Korea’s Leader Kim Jong-un Has Invited South Korean President Moon Jae-in To Visit Pyongyang At The “Earliest Date Possible”

The Guardian: Kim Jong-un's sister invites South Korean president to Pyongyang

Kim Yo-jong’s meeting with Moon Jae-in was highest-level contact between countries in more than a decade

North Korea’s dictator, Kim Jong-un, has invited the South Korean president, Moon Jae-in, to visit Pyongyang at the “earliest date possible” for what would be the first summit between the two nations in more than a decade.

Kim Yo-jong, the sister of the North Korean leader, made the overture during a lunch at Seoul’s presidential palace.

She is the first member of Pyongyang’s ruling dynasty to set foot in the South since the end of the 1950-53 Korean war. Kim Yong-nam, North Korea’s ceremonial head of state, also attended the meeting.

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WNU Editor: From avoiding South Korean President Moon Jae-in earlier this year .... No Response From North Korea On South Korea's Offer For Talks (July 20, 2017), to now formally inviting him to visit Pyongyang. That tells me that U.S. pressure and sanctions are working.

More News On Today's South Korean - North Korean Talks

Come visit: South Korea’s leader invited to North Korea -- AP
Kim Jong Un invites South Korean president for summit: South Korea -- Reuters
Kim Jong Un invites S. Korea's Moon to Pyongyang -- AFP
Winter Olympics 2018: North Korea invites South president to Pyongyang -- BBC
Kim Jong-un Invites South Korean Leader to North for Summit Meeting -- New York Times
Kim Jong-un invites South Korean President Moon to Pyongyang -- ABC News Online
Kim Jong Un asks South Korean president to meet in Pyongyang -- UPI
North Korea leader Kim Jong Un invites South Korean president to summit -- DW
North Korea's Kim invites S Korean leader to Pyongyang -- Al Jazeera
Kim Jong-un invites South’s leader Moon to Pyongyang in personal letter delivered by sister -- RT