Seoul and Pyongyang start talking again at sea
The latest sign of détente with Seoul is part of the ongoing talks. Pyongyang is also looking to Beijing and Washington. However, experts and US intelligence sources are sceptical about North Korea’s sincerity.
Seoul (AsiaNews/Agencies) – After ten years of radio silence, the two Koreas have resumed direct marine radio communication.
The decision to talk at sea is another sign of warming relations between the two states in the context of detente and ongoing diplomatic exchanges.
The resumption of ship-to-ship radio communication was announced yesterday and will serve to prevent accidents between the military vessels of the two Koreas.
The decision is part of a series of acts by the two Koreas to reduce tensions.
In a related development, the South Korean military has postponed the construction of new military facilities between five and ten km of the demilitarized zone (DMZ).
There is speculation that the postponement was made with a view toward a phased disarmament.
Meanwhile, a group of 26 South Korean officials and workers will visit North Korea this week to repair an office in Kaesong that is to be used as a liaison office between the two Koreas.
Pyongyang's diplomatic offensive is not limited to Seoul. China’s North Korea’s historical ally tops the list as Pyongyang tries to get tough sanctions relaxed almost a year after they were put into place.
North Korea’s Vice Minister of External Economic Affairs Ku Bon-tae arrived in Beijing today to discuss ways to boost bilateral relations.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un himself visited two areas in North Pyongan Province near the Chinese border on Friday and Saturday
According to some observers, the outing suggests he is interested in getting cross-border business up and running fast.
Talks with Washington are also continuing. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is expected to make his third trip soon to North Korea.
For his part, US President Donald Trump told Fox News yesterday that he is convinced Kim Jong-un is serious and committed to denuclearise the peninsula. "I made a deal with him. I shook hands with him. I really believe he means it."
However, doubts persist regarding the sincerity of the North Korean commitment. Some experts and US intelligence sources believe that North Korea is actually expanding its nuclear facilities.
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