U.S. president Trump and North Korean leader Kim have stunned the world by pulling off a summit at Singapore despite intense tensions a while ago.
Presently, there are clear indications that the looming detente might seal a permanent peace in the Korean peninsula.
What were the recent flare-ups?
Till recently, North Korea kept stepping up its weapons program through nuclear tests and also enhanced its missile capacity.
Notably, with Hwasong 14 missile (10,000 km range) in North Korea’s arsenal, Kim was said to have the capability to strike even mainland U.S.A.
In this backdrop, a missile attack by North Korea on Guam island of U.S.A in the Pacific Ocean was also rumoured.
In 2017, the heightened rhetoric on both sides had led to growing concerns about the possibility of a nuclear war between North Korea and U.S.
While the UN Security Council met repeatedly, and tightening economic sanctions on North Korea, Trump was also vociferous in his threats.
How did the thaw begin?
Mr. Kim in his New Year’s address appealed reconciling with South Korea, while also stating that North Korea had sufficient nuclear deterrence capacity.
South Korea also hosted the Winter Olympics, which provided ample opportunities for building bonhomie between the two Koreas.
Things moved smoothly thereafter and officials of the two Koreas crossed borders for high-profile meetings, which proved fruitful.
Kim also indicated continued restraint on testing and willingness to discuss denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula if regime safety was guaranteed.
While the U.S. was kept in the loop throughout, there seemed to be considerable resistance from the Trump administration for any conciliation.
A summit was planned but it was then called off unilaterally by the U.S., but persistent efforts from North Korea finally led to restarting of the summit.
Notably, previous attempts by the U.S. to negotiate North Korea to give up its nuclear program and arms failed despite consistent negotiations.
Why is the current peace effort unique?
Since the previous negotiations, the capabilities of North Korea has grown multiple times, while has lead to increased anxieties in its neighbourhood.
While Kim’s administration seeks regime legitimacy and security, the other stakeholders seek safety and peace.
In this context, it is in everybody’s interest to help in the success of the proposed deal, thereby making things clear.
While the joint statement after Singapore summit was shy on detail, it carries immense potential for the future of the Korean Peninsula.
Notably, North Korea has announced stoppage of any kind of testing and has even promised a complete elimination of its nuclear arsenal permanently.
There is hence real promise of ending the Korean conflict between the North and South Korea – which is currently still held by the 1953 truce.
U.S. has also called off any joint military exercise in the Korean region and lifting of economic sanctions on North Korea is also under consideration.
