Trump-Kim 'Love' Renewed as US Scales Back Korea Drills, Kim Responds
Cgtn · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
US President Donald Trump revealed on Monday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had responded to his outreach, just a day after ordering the Pentagon to substantially reduce joint military exercises with South Korea . Trump, who met Kim three times during his first term—including once declaring they were "in love"—has been seeking to reengage with Pyongyang . The moves come as analysts note Kim has gained significantly in global stature, buoyed by crucial backing from Russia and China as well as an improving economy .
Key Points
- Trump ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to "substantially reduce" US-South Korea joint military exercises, citing their cost and Seoul's refusal to join US actions against Iran
- Kim Jong Un responded to Trump's outreach, with Trump stating: "Kim Jong Un has always treated me with great respect. I understand him. He understands me"
- South Korea's Blue House expressed hope that the Trump-Kim relationship would lead to meaningful dialogue on advancing peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula
- Analysts note Kim now has greater leverage, having gained "practical experience across virtually every aspect of modern warfare" through North Korea's backing of Russia in Ukraine
- Colonel Ryan Donald, spokesman for US-South Korean Combined Forces Command, said allies would prepare troops for potential combat against North Korean forces battle-hardened in Europe
Why It Matters
With Kim enjoying increased international legitimacy through his partnerships with Russia and China, and having gained valuable battlefield experience in Ukraine, Trump's outreach faces a fundamentally different North Korea than during his first term . Seong-Hyun Lee of Harvard's Asia Center noted that Kim "no longer needs the legitimacy of a handshake" and will demand "guaranteed, irreversible sanctions relief before he even walks into the room" .
With Kim enjoying increased international legitimacy through his partnerships with Russia and China, and having gained valuable battlefield experience in Ukraine, Trump's outreach faces a fundamentally different North Korea than during his first term . Seong-Hyun Lee of Harvard's Asia Center noted that Kim "no longer needs the legitimacy of a handshake" and will demand "guaranteed, irreversible sanctions relief before he even walks into the room" .