US, South Korea and Japan call for complete denuclearisation of North Korea amid Trump outreach

Three countries restate their demand

The United States, South Korea and Japan renewed their longstanding position that North Korea should give up its nuclear arms. Pyongyang has repeatedly rejected that demand.

Trump signals interest in talks

The statement came as Trump has continued to seek contact with Kim. During his first term, Trump held several historic summits with the North Korean leader and has referred to him as a friend.

Trump has lately played down concerns over North Korea’s nuclear programme and said he wants another meeting with Kim. Speculation is growing that they could meet at next month’s APEC summit in China, which Trump plans to attend.

Questions over a possible meeting

Analysts and South Korea’s spy agency say Kim may have shared Pyongyang’s views on possible talks with Trump during a recent visit to Dandong, a Chinese city near the North Korean border. The report does not establish whether the leaders will meet.

Critics argue that renewed engagement could amount to tacit acceptance of North Korea as a nuclear-armed state. They also warn Pyongyang could gain sanctions relief without surrendering its weapons.

Pyongyang rejects sanctions pressure

North Korea condemned a joint statement issued on Saturday by countries monitoring sanctions enforcement. Pyongyang said sanctions from the United States and Western countries would not change its status as a nuclear weapons state.