Suddenly and surprisingly, US President Donald Trump and North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un gathered for the third time in just over a year. It wasn't this meeting itself that made it an unprecedented historical event for the US and the two Koreas, but the presence of the two leaders and South Korea's President Moon Jae-in together at the demarcation line and the fact that Mr. Trump was the first sitting US president having ever entered the North Korean territory.
A gathering of the trio at the DMZ. Photo: EPA
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In fact, this event, beyond all PR-effects it had caused, was of great significance for the US and the two Koreas. The impression was eminent that hostilities dissipated to give way to hospitalities. Enemies no more and from now on only friends. This event strengthened the belief the place which has been for long time epitomizing the division of the Korean peninsula now could become the starting point for new peace and reconciliation talks between the US and North Korea. Both Mr. Trump and Mr. Kim didn't disclose how to find necessary solutions to the problem of North Korea's denuclearization. But resuming their bilateral talks would already be something positive and encouraging.
While new interesting and perhaps important movements are expected in the time to come in the relations between the US and North Korea, other parties must have understandably to be cautious, especially China, Russia, Japan and Iran. As long as its talks with North Korea proceeds, the US will have free hands to increase pressure on Iran and to escalate its confrontation with the Middle East country. China, Russia and Japan could not put aside their unease feelings, loosing face and influence on what is now proceeding on the Korean peninsula and related to the future of this region.
And from now on there is no return to the past for Mr. Trump, Mr. Kim Jong-un and Mr. Moon Jae-in any more.
