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President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump exchange smiles duringt a joint press conference following their summit at the Blue House on Nov. 7. (Blue House Photo Pool)

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump described North Korea’s nuclear and missile provocations as threats not just to South Korea but to the international community in their third summit on Nov. 7. The two leaders also agreed to respond sternly to the threats from a firm combined defense posture. While stressing that they would continue working with the rest of the international community to increase sanctions and pressure on Pyongyang to return to dialogue, they also reaffirmed their support for peaceful resolution of the nuclear and missile issues as agreed upon at their first summit in June.

“Against escalating nuclear and missile threats from North Korea, [South Korea and the US] reaffirmed our principle that we must maintain a strong stance toward North Korean threats based on overwhelming superiority of power,” Moon said at a joint press conference after the Nov. 7 summit.

Moon also said that “bringing an end to the DPRK provocations and bringing DPRK to the table for dialogue” was “a pending challenge we must address now.”

“President Trump and I reaffirmed our current strategy, which is to maximize pressure and sanctions on North Korea until it gives up nuclear weapons and to come to the table for dialogue on its own,” he said.

Trump also said he “believe[s] it makes sense for North Korea to do the right thing.”

“I think [North Korea] understand[s] we have unparalleled strength,” he continued, referring to the positioning of three aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines around the Korean Peninsula.

“We hope to God we never have to use [them],” he added.

The two leaders were also unanimous on the need for an active role from China, Russia, and the rest of the international community in resolving the North Korean nuclear issue.

“The US is leading efforts [at strong sanctions and pressure], and I am very sure that substantive results will be realized through such efforts,” Moon said.

“China has also faithfully implemented the UN resolution to impose sanctions on DPRK,” he continued. “So we have heightened the pressure and sanctions on DPRK, and I think this will also contribute to resolving the nuclear problem.”

Moon also said, “If our international society's efforts bear fruits and if we can really make a turnaround, then I'm sure that we will be able to bring North Korea to the table of dialogue.”

“Through such dialogue, I am very confident that we can . . . ultimately dismantle the weapons of the DPRK entirely. And in this, I believe that cooperation from the US and China is essential,” he added.

Trump described North Korea’s sixth nuclear test and missile launches as a “grave . . . threat to South Korea and, indeed, the entire world.”

“We will together confront North Korea's actions and prevent the North Korean dictator from threatening millions of innocent lives [with nuclear weapons and missiles],” he said.

Trump went on to mention Chinese President Xi Jinping, with whom he is scheduled to hold a summit on Nov. 8.

“China is out trying very hard to solve the problem with North Korea. We hope that Russia, likewise, will be helpful,” he said.

“So if we get China, if we get Russia . . . we think that things will happen, and they could happen very quickly.”

In addition to stressing a resolute response to North Korean provocations, the two leaders also emphasized that the door to dialogue remains open, echoing similar statements during their first summit in Washington, DC, on June 30.

Describing “bringing an end to the DPRK provocations and bringing DPRK to the table for dialogue” as “a pending challenge we must address now,” Moon said the two sides had “reaffirmed our current strategy, which is to maximize pressure and sanctions on North Korea until it gives up nuclear weapons and to come to the table for dialogue on its own.”

“Should North Korea choose to make the right choice, we also reaffirmed our view that we are willing to offer North Korea a bright future,” he added.

“Imagine the amazing possibilities for a Korean Peninsula liberated from the threat of nuclear weapons,” said Trump.

“I really believe that it makes sense for North Korea to come to the table and to make a deal that's good for the people of North Korea and the people of the world,” he continued.

Trump avoided an answer when asked about the possibility for direct dialogue between North Korea and the US, saying he “do[es] see certain movement” but “do[esn’t] want to say that.” His remarks stood in sharp contrast with his previous aggressive approach in raising tensions with his “war of words” with Pyongyang.

By Jung In-hwan, staff reporter

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