Pompeo "Optimistic about North Korea-US Talks... Also Working with North Korea"

Indications of Under-the-Table Negotiations... Conciliatory Gestures Highlighting Flood Damage and COVID-19
38 North "Active Movements of Sinpo-class Submarine and Barges"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Mike Pompeo, U.S. Secretary of State (photo), expressed optimism on the 15th (local time) regarding denuclearization talks with North Korea, stating that efforts to make progress with North Korea are ongoing. This has been interpreted as a possibility that, following President Donald Trump's mediation of peace agreements between Israel and Middle Eastern countries ahead of the election, he is preparing a 'October surprise event' to secure a breakthrough in denuclearization talks with North Korea.

In a virtual discussion held that day with the U.S. think tank Atlantic Council, Secretary Pompeo expressed regret about North Korea, saying, "We had hope that further progress could be made and that Chairman Kim Jong-un (North Korea) would take a different direction," but added, "However, I remain optimistic."

He continued, "Although it has been quiet publicly, many ongoing efforts are still underway," explaining, "There are efforts by the U.S. itself as well as by our allies South Korea and Japan," and "There is even an understanding that over time there may be opportunities with North Korea."

Although Secretary Pompeo did not specify what efforts are being made with North Korea that day, it is interpreted as implying that there are behind-the-scenes efforts despite the stalemate in North Korea-U.S. talks.

After recently succeeding in mediating a peace agreement to normalize relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the U.S. has gradually increased its references to North Korea. While this may be to deter provocations from North Korea during the election season, if results emerge from North Korea-U.S. negotiations following the Middle East, it would allow President Trump to build a definite diplomatic achievement and gain an advantageous position in the election.

The U.S. has recently extended a conciliatory hand to North Korea by emphasizing humanitarian aid in light of North Korea's recent flood disaster and concerns over COVID-19. The U.S. is currently promoting special multiple-visit confirmations when Red Cross representatives or journalists visit North Korea.

In a recent broadcast interview, Secretary Pompeo said North Korea "faces economic challenges and COVID-19 risks. We hope to provide humanitarian aid to help them." David Stilwell, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, also emphasized the need to resume serious talks on the 14th, mentioning North Korea's floods and typhoons.

This approach by the U.S. may reflect an intention to quickly reach an agreement with North Korea if President Trump is re-elected. Jared Kushner, Senior Advisor and Trump’s son-in-law, predicted in an interview with the UAE daily 'The National' that if President Trump wins re-election, "a table will be set for a major breakthrough with North Korea." President Trump himself has also emphasized that he would reach an agreement with North Korea very quickly if re-elected.

Meanwhile, concerns continue that North Korea may engage in military actions such as unveiling new weapons ahead of the U.S. election. On the same day, 38 North, a U.S. media outlet specializing in North Korea, reported that for a week after the typhoon passed, the Sinpo Shipyard in North Korea was actively moving a Sinpo-class submarine and a barge for launching submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM). General Robert Abrams, Commander of U.S. Forces Korea, recently stated that North Korea is focusing on flood and typhoon damage recovery and said, "That could happen, but we are not currently seeing signs of provocations."