Second Trump-Kim Meeting

Why in news?

A second meeting of the U.S. President Trump and North Korean leader Kim is soon to take place in Vietnam, after the last year's meet in Singapore.

How was the last meet?

• The first meeting between U.S. President Trump and North Korea Chairman Kim Jong-un in 2018 saw little progress in achieving the set goals.
• The Singapore meeting generated mutual goodwill and hopes of a breakthrough.
• But the declaration on 'denuclearisation' of the Korean Peninsula came without indicating a timetable or the modalities of reaching that goal.

What is the dispute now?

• After the Singapore meet, Pyongyang’s anticipation of an easing of U.S. sanctions has not materialised.
• The U.S. sought the information on inventory of nuclear stockpiles as a first step towards a verifiable dismantling of the North Korean arsenal.
• But there is no progress on this front from the North Korean side.
• Underscoring this stalemate, U.S. Vice President stated that Pyongyang had made little headway on its commitments.
• Also, the concept of “complete denuclearisation” of the Korean Peninsula in the Singapore declaration has become a subject of conflicting interpretations.
• Pyongyang insists that the expression must have a wider meaning and include the U.S. military umbrella that extends across South Korea and Japan.
• It contends that North Korea will be the first target in the event of a pre-emptive U.S. strike.

Why is the second meet significant?

• North Korea has stopped its nuclear domination since the first meet with Trump.
• It has not tested any nuclear-capable device or launched any missile for more than a year.
• This is a reason for continued patience and confidence in the second dialogue.
• South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in favours rapprochement with the neighbour, and a lasting resolution of the US.-North Korea nuclear standoff.
• After his recent meeting with the Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Mr. Kim too reinforced his pledge to rid the region of nuclear arms.
• But he emphasised on North Korea's need for security guarantees.
• Against this backdrop, the prospects for any meaningful progress appear to hinge on mediation by China and South Korea.
• In all, the meet is seen to be a significant one in determining the terms of relationship between the U.S. and North Korea.

Source: The Hindu