North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un Shows Interest in U.S. Talks

Staff Writer

Avery Kachmarsky

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After years of paused talks, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has signaled his willingness to resume diplomatic communication with the United States. This shift in language and political stance comes as the world observes the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons on September 26, which calls for the complete nuclear disarmament of all nations. However, this willingness will only last and come to fruition if the United States accepts North Korea’s demand of keeping its nuclear arsenal, as supported by Kim Jong-un, according to The Associated Press. In addition, Kim Jong-un reiterated his position of maintaining closed dialogue with South Korea, with whom tensions have been rising in recent months.

President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea warned the international community of North Korea’s continued military and technological advances, as he arrived in New York for the United Nations General Assembly. In response to increased tests from North Korea and their advancement in capabilities, including missile programs designed to increase missile range, Lee stated that South Korea would work to prevent any possible conflict with its neighbor by planning to mitigate risks, per Reuters. However, this may prove difficult if North Korea and Kim Jong-un remain steady in their decision to not engage in dialogue with South Korea.

Acknowledging Kim Jong-un’s desires, Lee and South Korea would be willing to accept a nuclear deal with North Korea that did not outrightly remove all current nuclear weapons, but that prevented future nuclear development programs to increase the number of nuclear arms, as stated by BBC. Pausing programs would enable a peaceful and semi-denuclearization process, while allowing both parties and third parties to retain their goals of preventing conflict. While Lee believes in the need for a long-term denuclearization strategy, he is signaling that he will allow for small concessions to be made towards progress. 

Kim Jong-un, at the Supreme People’s Assembly, also hinted at the possibility for the United States and North Korea to “coexist,” as reported by Al Jazeera. The coexistence of two nuclear powers, as well as the cooperation between neighbors, may create a new system of nuclear laws and policies. While denuclearization of arsenals is beneficial for all, the need for nuclear arms for nations who feel threatened or want to hold onto existing power is also prevalent, requiring concessions to preserve peace and international agreement. Like South Korea’s perception of current threats, North Korea also feels at risk due to ongoing training and collaboration among South Korean and American forces. 

As another signal of North Korea’s possible future dialogue with other nations, North Korean delegates returned to the General Assembly at the U.N., according to The New York Times. While these delegates will converse with allies and regional partners, and the need for denuclearization is realized by most nations, the broader implication of their arrival at the U.N. shifts in favor of dialogue and potential agreements. Cooperation among friendly and combative nations, through institutions such as the U.N., is key to open dialogue and continued stability.

Image courtesy of Getty Images.