Reaction: Donald Trump strides into North Korea and history books

Analysts divided over significance of
Trump’s meeting with Kim Jong Un

One-Minute Read

Sky News said the “historic handshake” was “in terms of optics”
a “triumph for both leaders”. CNN added that it “took to a new level Trump’s
showman instincts and view of diplomacy as a test of interpersonal
skills”.

Writing for Fox News, Harry J. Kazianis, the director of
Korean Studies at the Center for the National Interest, said: “If
President Obama received a Nobel Prize for nearly nothing, then I
think there is only one obvious thing to do, and that’s to make
sure Donald Trump receives the award as well.”

However, the BBC says Trump’s critics will dismiss the meeting,
arguing that it will only serve to “legitimise a totalitarian
regime with one of the worst human rights records on the
planet”.

Victor Cha, a former American negotiator with North Korea, told
The Times: “Theatrics are no substitute for
denuclearisation.”

History was certainly made when Trump stepped into North Korea.
“Would you like me to step across?” the US President asked Kim as
they shook hands. “I am OK with it.”

“Good to see you. I never expected to meet you at this place,”
Kim told Trump through an interpreter.

The North Korean leader added that the moment held “a lot of
significance”, as a “courageous and determined act” as they tried
to “put an end to an unpleasant past.”

“Big moment,” Trump agreed, “tremendous progress.”

The two country’s last summit broke down in February with no
progress on denuclearisation in North Korea. Since then the
negotiations have been at a standstill, though Kim and Trump have
exchanged letters in recent months.

Sunday’s meeting had been set up through a tweet sent by Trump,
and it was on his beloved Twitter that the US President shared
further thoughts on the moment. “Leaving South Korea after a
wonderful meeting with Chairman Kim Jong Un,” he wrote. “Stood on
the soil of North Korea, an important statement for all, and a
great honor!”