In his first trip ouside North Korea since becoming dictator, Kim Jong Un has visited China on March 27th. He has met with Xi Jingping, the president of China. The two leaders are said to be discussing the North’s nuclear weapons and use of them, as well as introducing North Korea into the world and giving them some say in what happens around the globe. This is certainly a strong move by the North Korean Dictator, bringing hopes of a more diplomatic discussion of the North’s place in the world.
Just about every major player wants peace when it comes to North Korea. A nuclear war would be horrendous for everyone, surely Kim Jong Un must know this. He also must know that if he were to drop a bomb on anyone, most likely his neighbors to the south or Japan, and begin a war, he would be putting his life in extreme jeopardy. His palace would become one of the first targets. Therefore, one can imagine that after thinking through his options, the supreme leader realized a nuclear war would leave him dead. Very bad.
Diplomatic meetings, then, come as a second best solution. He has met with South Korean leader Moon Jae-In, and agreed to meet with our president, Trump, later in May. This steps all seem to point in the direction that fear of a nuclear bombing may be over.
Although, it is important to remember that Kim Jong Un is an absolute dictator and can do whatever he please. If he finds diplomacy does not suit him, we may be back to nuclear talks. Let’s hope that Xi Jinping and, especially, Donald Trump can keep the North Koreans satisfied and find a suitable compromise that will bring the once completely shut out nation into the world conversations.
