I'm inclined to believe that Trump's personal meetings with Kim are yielding greater fruit that we may presently realize. The problem is, Kim is walking an unenviable tightrope between China on one hand and his own government on the other. The potential threat to him from hardliners/malcontents in the NK regime should not be underestimated. Doubtless, Trump understands this. Maybe that's why he has been so "forgiving" for Kim's actions sometimes. He knows that Kim has to look strong... or else.
North Korea may be at the most perilous point in all its history. Much more so than the Korean War. Which will Kim favor: his longtime Chinese masters or a nascent friendship with the outside world via President Trump?
Thanks for posting. Very good article.
Double Santions of NK and China. Period
China is feeling the heat, now trying to put pressure on Trump. The Trade war is kicking Chinas ass.
Thank you for your reply and analysis - I hadnt thought of it in your way before.
How much of the current impeachment insanity is being run by Beijing I wonder.....
[The potential threat to him from hardliners/malcontents in the NK regime should not be underestimated.]
Good analysis by you. I have wondered how deep the Chinese tentacles are in the North Korean Government. Should Kim try to deal with the US will China have one of his Generals take him out?
So as you are pointing out Kim may want to do much of what the President is proposing. The problem is HOW does he do it without getting killed? No sense in trying to pocket a few billion if one of your Generals is going to stab you in the back.
I would have thought that South Korea could be playing a larger role in helping Kim but they seem to be impotent in this process.
My hope is that one morning we wake up to US Troops stationed in NK and a huge amount of fanfare at the UN at NK becomes another independent nation, who may someday join together with SK.