North Korea may resume nuclear talks with the U.S. if Trump is re-elected, reveals defector Ri Il Gyu. The regime is crafting a new strategy for future negotiations.
In a surprising revelation, North Korea is considering reopening nuclear talks with the United States if Donald Trump is re-elected as President. This comes from Ri Il Gyu, a high-ranking North Korean diplomat who recently defected to South Korea. In his first international interview, Ri disclosed that North Korea's foreign policy priorities for the coming years include strengthening ties with Russia, negotiating with the U.S., and engaging with Japan.
Ri's escape from Cuba last month made international headlines, marking him as the highest-ranking North Korean defector since 2016. According to Ri, North Korean diplomats are crafting a new strategy, anticipating Trump's potential return to the White House. They aim to lift sanctions on their weapons programs, remove the designation of North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism, and secure economic aid.
Ri criticized Kim Jong Un's previous approach to nuclear diplomacy, particularly during the failed 2019 summit with Trump in Vietnam. He suggested that inexperienced military commanders had been inappropriately involved, leading to poor decision-making. Ri believes that if talks were to resume, the foreign ministry would play a more significant role, making it difficult for Trump to impose restrictive terms without concessions.
Strengthening Ties with Russia and Japan
North Korea's strategy also involves deepening its relationship with Russia, leveraging this alliance to gain missile technology and economic support. According to Ri, this partnership has helped Pyongyang circumvent additional sanctions, reducing its reliance on U.S. concessions.
In Japan, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has expressed interest in meeting Kim Jong Un, despite the long-standing issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 80s. Ri suggested that Kim might be willing to negotiate on this matter to gain economic aid, despite North Korea's official stance that the issue is resolved.
Internal Resentment and Defection
Ri's decision to defect was fueled by long-standing grievances against the regime. He experienced bullying from colleagues and faced harsh treatment after being denied medical assistance for a neck injury. The COVID-19 lockdown exacerbated these issues, as communication lines to Pyongyang were cut to prevent information leaks. Additionally, financial difficulties have led North Korea to close several diplomatic missions worldwide.
Ri also observed the growing diplomatic relationship between South Korea and Cuba, a former ally of North Korea, as a sign of shifting global alliances. He viewed the establishment of these relations as a significant achievement for South Korea, indicating the changing tides in international diplomacy.
As the world watches the U.S. presidential election, the possibility of renewed nuclear talks with North Korea adds a critical dimension to the global geopolitical landscape. The potential return of Trump could reopen a dialogue that has remained stalled, reshaping the future of international relations in East Asia.
Source: Reuters
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