There are high hopes for talks between the US and North Korea on the
matter of ongoing military drills. North Korea’s foreign ministry,
however, has suggested that South Korea might not be welcome to take part in those..
That’s something of a surprise, as South Korea has been eager for
diplomacy with the north, and has been seen in the past as a facilitator
for the process with the US. Yet officials say the talks would be
direct bilateral talks between the US and North Korea.
Trump has suggested that the talks could happen after the upcoming
exercise ends. Trump has said he opposes the US exercises as well, and
that he looks forward to seeing Kim. He added that Kim had offered a
“small apology” for missile tests.
The joint US-South Korea military exercises are often major stressors
for North Korea relations, since they simulate invading North Korea.
North Korean officials have said missile tests were meant to protest the
exercises.
