North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump are pictured attending a meeting on the south side of the demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating the South and North Korea on June 30, 2019, in Panmunjom, South Korea. ( Dong-A Ilbo via Getty Images/Getty Images)
It has also claimed to test new underwater nuclear-capable drones and satellite systems — and has declared that talks focused on nuclear disarmament are a nonstarter.
Trump has floated sanctions relief in exchange for denuclearization.
"Well, we have sanctions," Trump said of possible discussion points. "That’s pretty big to start off with. I would say that’s about as big as you get."
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During a speech last month, Kim said he has a "good memory of Trump" but would meet him only "if the U.S. drops its hollow obsession with denuclearization."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said U.S. policy toward North Korea remains focused on urging Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons.
"Our North Korea policy remains the same. It’s the denuclearization of North Korea. It’s an objective that we have all been pursuing for decades," Rubio said.
Further compounding U.S. concerns is North Korea’s growing relationship with Russia. North Korea has provided Russia with troops for its war in Ukraine, and Western officials remain concerned about what Pyongyang is receiving in return from the nuclear-armed state. U.S. officials have warned that Russia may be sharing advanced satellite technology with North Korea.
Russia's Vladimir Putin, China's Xi Jinping and Kim have grown closer in recent years. (Getty Images)
"I think they are sort of a nuclear power," he said. "They have a lot of nuclear weapons but not a lot of telephone service."
Kim wants North Korea to be formally recognized as a nuclear power.
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Absent a framework for a breakthrough in recent tensions, any summit risks a repeat of Hanoi: high drama, few deliverables.
Still, some see opportunity. Even a limited freeze on long-range missile tests or nuclear production could stabilize the peninsula — and Trump would remain the only Western leader who has Kim’s ear.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-dangles-big-you-get-carrot-bid-tempt-kim-jump-start-new-north-korea-talks