Trump-Kim Meeting: The Start of World Chaos or Peace?

A few months ago, the two Korean countries made a historic event when they united to commemorate the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics. For the first time, both countries were represented under one Korean peninsula. World leaders all over the world welcomed the move with vigor and optimism. However, attaining world peace is now closer than ever after South Korea relayed an offer from Pyongyang to the White House a few days ago!

A Meeting Invitation For World Peace?

Just last week, South Korea’s national security adviser relayed to the White House an invitation from North Korea. The meeting will discuss the future of nuclear and missile programs where both countries are heavily invested in. After months of tension between these two giant forces, it seems both have finally given in to make room for peace talks.

Moreover, the White House confirmed that the President accepted the invitation and he’s ready to meet the North Korean leader sometime in May. Although there’s no exact time, date, and venue yet. On the other hand, North Korea has pledged to suspend any nuclear emissions and missile tests while the meeting arrangement is ongoing.

If the meeting would take place, this will be the first time that leaders of both countries are set to meet.  The last time Pyongyang sought a meeting with the United States was in the year 2000. Back then, Pyongyang wanted the latter country to reassess its influence as a regional military power. Then-president Bill Clinton came close to arranging a meeting with Kim’s father. But, the arrangement broke off when Clinton left his office in January 2001.  

A Victory for Trump’s Administration

Kim Jong Un talked about denuclearization with the South Korean Representatives, not just a freeze. Also, no missile testing by North Korea during this period of time. Great progress being made but sanctions will remain until an agreement is reached. Meeting being planned!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 9, 2018

President Trump released an official statement about the said meeting.   

The White House officials portrayed the invitation as a sign of Trump’s victory. It’s because, for the first time, North Korea yielded to the “maximum pressure” set by the President. The US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson also reiterated that the US sanctions would still remain in place, at least until both countries will agree on denuclearisation. He also stated that South Korea will take part in the said meeting to act as a third-party facilitator.

The United Nations and World Leaders Lauded Kim’s Move  

For the first time, the United Nations didn’t condemn the infamous world leader over his actions. In fact, the North Korean ambassador to the UN, Pak Song-il, praised the leader for his courageous decision to reach out to the United States. He also advised the United States to do their part and start contributing to world peace with sincerity and seriousness. Meanwhile, South Korean President Moon Jae-in praised the upcoming meeting as a historic milestone. This could pave a way to a peaceful Korean peninsula.

Kim Jong-un Watching the Launching of a Hwasong-12 missile test

The Chinese Foreign Minister was also pleased with the positive development of the meeting arrangement. While the Russian foreign minister labeled the Trump-Kim meeting as a pivotal step in the right direction. Last but not the least, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he appreciated the gesture. He is set to visit trump in early April and he looks forward to hearing more details about the upcoming, historic meeting.

The Start of Chaos?

While most world leaders treated the gesture as an instrument for hope and world peace, some top officials still urged to practice caution. One of them is Kintaro Oba, who acted as a former state department official of the Obama Administration. He advised President Trump to manage their expectations and still prepare for the worst-case scenario, going as far to the possibility that the arrangement meeting might fall apart.

Mintaro Oba Urged the POTUS to exercise caution for the upcoming meeting

Given the knowledge of North Korea’s stubborn behavior, there is still a complicated road ahead before both countries can achieve long-lasting peace.  The special assistant to arms control of the past administration also said that while this might be a golden opportunity to pass up, US still need to exercise skepticism until both parties enter an official agreement.