By Sohn JiAe

The BBC has said that behind the potential of a summit, probably by May, between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, stands President Moon Jae-in’s recent diplomatic moves.

On March 9, the British news outlet said in an article titled “Trump and North Korea talks: The political gamble of the 21st Century” that, “The South Korean leader is attempting the role of honest broker, handling President Trump and North Korean leader Kim at the same time. He is choosing his words carefully and keeping his cards close to his chest while flattering those who respond to the spotlight.”

“President Moon said President Trump deserved ‘huge credit’ for talks between the two Koreas, knowing it would please him. He is also using language that will reassure a concerned Republican administration. The language of the South Korean statement announcing the talks was also fulsome in its admiration for Trump's handling of the situation leading up to this moment.”

The article ended by assuming that, “If, just if, President Moon helps pull it off, it may reduce the threat of nuclear war and he could win himself a Nobel Peace Prize.”

The Beijing and Tokyo governments, meanwhile, immediately responded to the news on March 9 of the possible summit between the U.S. and the North.

Spokesperson Geng Shuang of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that, “We welcome the positive message conveyed by the U.S. and North Korea concerning direct dialogue. The Korean Peninsula nuclear issue is moving in the right direction toward its settlement. We fully commend and support the efforts made by all relevant parties to resolve this issue through dialogue and consultation.”

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a phone conversation with President Trump, too, saying that he hailed North Korea’s offers to talk about denuclearization.

jiae5853@korea.kr