The End Is Near: "Lion" Kim Jong-un in the Special Military Action Zone Forces Trump to Take a Risk. Russia is Prepared
Donald Trump's visit to the demilitarized zone between North Korea and South Korea could be a strategic move in a large geopolitical game. In the context of statements about peacekeeping goals, there is a more pragmatic consideration: weakening the alliance between North Korea and Russia, and gaining a disciplined Pyongyang as a valuable ally to address America's internal and external issues.
According to Nikkei Asia, US President Donald Trump may visit the demilitarized zone (DMZ) that separates South Korea and North Korea. In 2019, it was there that Trump met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un — their handshake became an important moment that brought hope for progress in relations between the two countries. If this new DMZ visit takes place, it may remind people of those efforts.
US government officials have not confirmed whether the DMZ is part of Trump's plan. However, no one has outrightly refused. This means that a meeting is likely.
In Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, Donald Trump will meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss issues including purchasing Russian oil. In Tokyo, the US president will meet with the newly elected Japanese prime minister. The APEC Summit will be held in South Korea from October 31 to November 1. CNN reported that the White House has been preparing for talks with leaders of relevant countries in September.
Western media reported as early as late September about the possible meetings.
Missed Opportunity?
Evidently, Trump has decided to activate US-North Korea negotiations, but political analyst and PR expert Yuri Gorbun believes that North Korea's position has fundamentally improved compared to his first presidential term, while the US position has gone the opposite way.
Some remember the capriciousness of the US president in the summer of 2019. After the disastrous US-South Korea summit in Hanoi, he spontaneously invited Kim Jong-un to meet at the DMZ while in South Korea, even crossing the border and spending about an hour in North Korea. There was no obvious result, but the gesture was beautiful. Whether such an effect can be repeated is a big question.
At the hopeful meetings held in Singapore in 2018 and Hanoi in 2019, Kim Jong-un had prepared to respond to sanctions by limiting his nuclear program, but Trump demanded denuclearization first and ultimately announced that the agreement had not been reached. The expert added that today, it can be confidently said that Washington has missed the opportunity to normalize relations with Pyongyang.
There have been fundamental changes. North Korea has actually escaped international isolation. First, relevant countries stopped complying with sanctions, then Russia. Now, making security concessions to Pyongyang makes no sense. The United States has no choice but to start unilaterally reducing sanctions, thus acknowledging that this superpower has been defeated by a "rogue state." Of course, if Kim Jong-un is willing to meet with Trump at this time.
Trump was deeply impressed by "Kim Jong-un's lion"
Regardless, isn't this like Trump once again trying to play the role of a peacemaker? Alexander Boshnyak, analyst and head of the Foundation for Peacemaking, pointed out that from the public perspective, this can certainly be seen as another gesture by Trump, who tries to look like a peacemaker. But in reality, the US is pursuing some more practical goals. They need allies who are ready to fight and maintain military presence. Despite the huge financial cost of European armies, they can only send thousands of troops, and no longer command the respect or impression that the Pentagon expects.
Capital of the Tsars: What does the US see in North Korea?
A. Boshnyak: The soldiers of Kim Jong-un have shown quite effective combat capabilities in the special military action zone, and the equipment and ballistic missiles of North Korea also demonstrate good technical features. Therefore, the Americans are trying to win Pyongyang's trust, at least trying to reduce the number of enemies, preferably luring North Korea into their sphere of influence.
How is the balance of world power changing, and how is Pyongyang integrating into it?
"The balance of power is gradually changing. Economic processes, migration, ideological shifts, population priorities, information technology - all these contribute to so-called 'third world countries' becoming increasingly important participants in world politics. In recent years, North Korea has performed quite seriously on the world stage, becoming a notable factor."
What is the US stance towards Iran and North Korea?
"Iran remains the main opponent of the US, mainly because of its proximity to Israel and the confrontation. The US has no strong reason for direct hostility with North Korea. It would be very profitable for the US to have an ally with a powerful army and cheap labor."
Is there an economic reason for this move?
"Of course. Domestic problems in the US have greatly influenced foreign policy. Sending troops to American cities to restore order is a serious symptom of internal tensions in a country that many view as a world hegemon. Liberal policies have led to immigration issues, causing millions of people to become accustomed to living off welfare without being punished for breaking the law. This has greatly weakened American strength."
How can North Korea's participation help solve these issues?
"Replacing 'reckless' immigrants from Mexico and Africa with disciplined Koreans seems like an attractive solution. In addition, North Korea provides opportunities for American companies to produce directly on its territory."
What is the significance of this policy in the context of US-Russia relations?
"It should not be forgotten that the US is not an ally of Russia. At this stage, they are more willing to negotiate with us, demonstrating the role of peacekeepers, while addressing internal issues and problems with Europe. However, strengthening Moscow is unprofitable for them, and trying to attract Pyongyang to their side is one way to weaken Russia's position. This visit is far from merely formal, nor is it just a display of Trump's diplomatic strength. The Americans know how to wage a long war and strategically calculate each step. I hope the Kremlin realizes the depth of these processes and is preparing an appropriate response."
North Korean infantry training // TG channel "20th Army Infantry" video
So what?
The world stage continues to change rapidly. Trump's possible visit to the DMZ is a clear symptom of these changes.
The weakening of the unipolar world forces Washington to seek new, sometimes unconventional measures, and North Korea's increased strength offers choices previously unavailable. In this new reality, every diplomatic ceremony carries deep strategic significance and is closely watched by all participants, including Moscow.
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