Trump indicates he's open to sitting down with Kim Jong-un
US President Donald Trump has reportedly suggested he would “certainly be open" to sit down for personal talks with Kim Jong-un. He appeared to imply that it is "not a bad thing" to meet with the North Korean leader.
The statement was given during the outset of the US president's five-nation Asian tour. "I would sit down with anybody- I don't think it's strength or weakness, I think sitting down with people is not a bad thing,” Trump told Full Measure earlier this month.
Trump pointed out that he is meeting with different people in different countries. At that time, he mentioned about going to Vietnam and the Philippines.
Prior to being elected POTUS, Trump had said he would have "no problem" sitting down with Kim. He suggested at one point that they could meet for a hamburger, CNN notes.
Trump’s recent comments contrast with the US leader’s previously antagonistic remarks. He earlier threatened to "totally destroy" North Korea if it moves against the US or its allies. He also admonished US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson for his attempt to negotiate with Kim. "I told Rex Tillerson, our wonderful Secretary of State, that he is wasting his time trying to negotiate with Little Rocket Man," Trump wrote on Twitter.
In his interview with Full Measure, Trump talked about the US military, which he said is getting stronger. He said the US is spending a lot of money that it was not spending over the military in the past.
On Wednesday, the chairwoman of South Korea’s ruling party said Trump should “under no circumstances” take military action against North Korea without Seoul’s consent. Choo Mi-ae told a Washington thinktank that they wish to ensure that the option of another war is not placed on the table. She refused to comment on whether she was satisfied with the Trump administration’s efforts to engage in dialogue with Pyongyang.
Washington has said that all options, including military, are on the table in dealing with North Korea. But it also stressed that it prefers a diplomatic solution, recently urging Pyongyang to “make a deal.”
