Kim Open to Negotiations if U.S. Lifts Denuclearization Demands
Kim Jong Un Offers to Revive U.S. Negotiations
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speaks at a session of the Supreme People’s Assembly, held on September 20-21, 2025 in Pyongyang, North Korea.
SEOUL – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has indicated a willingness to resume stalled negotiations with the U.S., provided that Washington modifies its approach towards North Korea’s nuclear capabilities. He criticized the U.S. for its “obsession” with eliminating North Korea’s nuclear arsenal.
Emphasis on Peaceful Coexistence
During a recent assembly, Kim expressed that if the U.S. acknowledges North Korea’s reality and pursues peaceful coexistence rather than denuclearization, there is no reason for the two nations not to engage in talks. Kim stated, “If the U.S. drops its hollow obsession with denuclearization, there is no reason for us not to sit down with them.”
He reflected positively on his past interactions with U.S. President Trump, suggesting that previous meetings have left a lasting impression on him.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the openness to dialogue with the U.S., Kim has signaled a distinct stance towards South Korea, labeling any effort at unification with the South as “unnecessary.” He emphasized that North Korea would never unify with a nation that relies on a foreign power for its politics and defense.
This firmer stance follows Kim’s abandonment of a long-standing goal for eventual reunification with South Korea, severing communications last year.
The Context of U.S.-North Korea Relations
Kim’s latest remarks come as discussions of potential renewal of diplomatic relations between the two countries hang in the balance. The previous administrations have persistently avoided recognizing North Korea as a nuclear power, a shift that recent interactions might necessitate.
With the backdrop of growing support from Russia and China, Kim’s military parade in Beijing, attended by leaders from these nations, illustrates the strengthening of North Korea’s geopolitical alliances.
Conclusion
As the global community watches closely, Kim Jong Un’s approach may set the stage for a transformative moment in U.S.-North Korea relations. The conditions set forth by Kim will be pivotal in determining whether diplomatic engagements can be successfully reignited.
Published: 2025-09-22 10:02:00 | Source: www.npr.org
