U.S. Prioritizes North Korea Denuclearization, Keeps Pressure While Open to Dialogue

President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un [Photo=AP·Yonhap]

The Trump administration has reaffirmed that denuclearization of North Korea remains a central focus of its policy toward the country. While keeping the possibility of U.S.-North Korea talks open, officials stated they will maintain sanctions and cyber threat responses until North Korea engages in negotiations.

David Stilwell, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, emphasized on June 18 during a panel at the "Korea-U.S. Strategic Industry and Security Forum" in Washington, D.C., that the North Korea issue holds a very high priority in U.S. policy discussions.

Stilwell noted, "Discussions regarding North Korea under the current administration are centered on denuclearization." He pointed out that the goals outlined in the recent White House fact sheet following the summit between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, as well as in the G7 joint statement, reflect this same objective.

He stressed that this principle will be upheld in bilateral discussions with South Korea and in trilateral communications involving Japan.

Regarding the potential for resuming U.S.-North Korea negotiations, Stilwell stated, "Kim Jong Un has made it clear that if he is ready for dialogue, the Trump administration is also prepared for talks." However, he added, "It is uncertain when dialogue might open, and in the meantime, we will continue our policy of 'peace through strength.'"

Stilwell also mentioned that the U.S. will enforce existing sanctions and respond to North Korea's cyber threats, overseas IT personnel dispatches, and cryptocurrency thefts. He explained that the aim is to cut off funding for the North Korean regime and to draw a clear line against actions unacceptable to the U.S. and its allies.

These remarks come as North Korea has recently rejected discussions on the matter, calling the G7's calls for action an infringement on its sovereignty. In a statement from its foreign ministry, North Korea asserted that "denuclearization is an issue that has been irreversibly concluded."

* This article has been translated by AI.