It is “far too early” to sit down and have a one-on-one discussion with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, President Trump told Sharyl Attkisson at the outset of his five-nation Asia tour. The nuclear ambitions and erratic behavior of the North Korean leader will be the top point of discussion as the President meets with world leaders on his tour.
It may be too early, but the President indicated he would be willing to meet with Kim. This is the first time he’s indicated that willingness since entering the Oval Office. In fact, he said would “sit down with anybody.”
North Korea has been provocative with the United States, South Korea, and Japan since the young leader took over for his father’s death in 2011. The negative sentiment has ratcheted up in recent months with nuclear weapons tests reportedly being held regularly.
“I don’t think it’s strength or weakness, I think sitting down with people is not a bad thing,” the President told Attkisson. “So I would certainly be open to doing that [sitting down with Kim] but we’ll see where it goes. I think we’re far too early.”
Speaking to U.S. troops in Japan, President Trump used harsher words about North Korea without mentioning them by name.
“No one, no dictator, no regime … should underestimate American resolve,” Trump said.
There’s no reason to believe Kim will take the President up on his offer. The stance they portray for their isolated citizens is one of strength against an imperialistic America bent on North Korea’s destruction. Formal talks with the United States government is not on North Korea’s agenda.
Further Reading
Donald Trump: I would sit down for talks with Kim Jong-un
“You are the greatest threat to tyrants and dictators who seek to prey on the innocent,” he said, adding that authoritarian regimes could also take the route “towards prosperity and peace”.
“No nation should ever underestimate American resolve,” said Trump, who did not refer to North Korea by name. “Every once a while in the past they underestimated us. It was not pleasant for them, was it? We will never yield, never waver and never falter in defence of our people, our freedom and our great American flag.”
