Opinion | Kim Jong-un’s strategy suggests US has a choice: change stance, or talks will go nowhere
- North Korean leader has sought ‘bold decision’ from Washington by the end of the year
- July’s displays of nuclear capability, following indications of support from China and Russia, suggest Kim is serious
Kim Jong-un’s campaign of “maximum pressure” against the United States has continued despite the pageantry of the June 30 summit between him and US President Donald Trump at the inter-Korean Military Demarcation Line.
In July alone – a little more than three weeks after that summit – Kim was photographed inspecting a new submarine and overseeing tests of a new short-range ballistic missile system – which poses a huge threat to South Korea-based missile defence systems – and a new multiple-launch rocket system.
The objective of this campaign of pressure is straightforward. After the failed Hanoi summit, which Trump and Kim left without any agreement, Kim has said he seeks a “bold decision” from Washington before the end of the year. That “bold decision” pertains to its position on sanctions relief.
Unless the US negotiating position shifts away from what it was in Hanoi, to open space for a possible “small deal” under which North Korea makes some concessions for some tangible sanctions relief, Kim will return to his old ways.
Internally, Kim has emphasised to the ruling Workers’ Party that he remains committed to a strong and self-reliant national defence. July’s military activities tell the party elite that Kim is serious and clear-eyed about negotiations with the US.
