Trump Softens Tone, Calls For Deal With North Korea
Sarah Zimmerman
In a surprising move, President Donald Trump softened his tone on U.S. relations with North Korea and is now calling for diplomacy.
During his 12-day visit to Asia, Trump visited South Korea on Nov. 7 to calm fears of a U.S. nuclear standoff with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, according to Bloomberg.
"I really believe that it makes sense for North Korea to come to the table and to make a deal that's good for the people of North Korea and the people of the world," Trump said during a joint press conference with South Korean President Moon Jae-in. "I do see certain movement, yes, but let's see what happens."
While he warned that the U.S. would be willing to use force if necessary, Trump said he hopes any tensions with Kim could be resolved through other means.
"I think we're making a lot of progress, I think we're showing great strength, I think they understand we have unparalleled strength," he said.
"We have many things happening that we hope, we hope -- in fact, I'll go a step further -- we hope to God we never have to use."
Trump's remarks stand in stark contrast to previous comments, including an October tweet where he called direct talks with North Korea a "waste of time."
The president has also threatened to rain "fire and fury," on the country and has disparaged Kim by calling him "Little Rocket Man."
His tour through Asia, in part, is aimed at drumming up support from major U.S. allies in the face of North Korea's rapid development of nuclear weapons, according to CNN.
Trump has called on both China and Russia to "demand an end to North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs," calling the country "a worldwide threat that requires worldwide action."
Moon said he and Trump engaged in "candid" talks about North Korea and that he has agreed to up regional military deployments to "maintain strong stance toward North Korea's threats."
It's unclear how far Trump is willing to engage in direct talks with North Korea, because the U.S. has long refused to talk to Kim until the country is willing to give up all its nuclear weapons, according to Bloomberg.
While South Korea plans to build up its military arsenal, Moon maintained he believes economic pressure and diplomacy are the best ways forward.
"Trump and I have reaffirmed our existing strategy of pushing for sanctions and pressure until North Korea gives up its nuclear talks and comes to the path of dialogue," he said.
Sources: Bloomberg, CNN / Featured Image: The White House/Flickr / Embedded Images: The White House/Flickr (2)
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