US: North Korea denuclearization still priority, ready for talks if Kim prepared

The United States maintains that North Korean denuclearization is a core priority, with officials ready for dialogue should leader Kim Jong Un signal his intent. However, this engagement is contingent on Pyongyang's willingness, and Washington will continue to exert pressure through sanctions and by countering cyber threats.

David R. Hair, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, stated at a policy forum in Washington that denuclearization remains a priority for the Trump administration. He noted that this commitment is reflected in joint statements from the G7 and in discussions with China. "Regardless of how that effort unfolds, North Korean denuclearization remains a top priority for us," Hair said.

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North Korean denuclearization remains a top priority for the Trump administration.

On the prospect of resuming North Korea-U.S. dialogue, Hair reiterated, "We have made it very clear that if Chairman Kim is ready to talk, the Trump administration is ready to talk." He acknowledged uncertainty about the timing of any such talks, emphasizing a continued policy of "peace through strength." This involves enforcing existing sanctions and collaborating with other nations to address North Korea's illicit activities, including cyber threats, IT personnel dispatch, and cryptocurrency theft, aiming to cut off revenue streams and draw clear lines against unacceptable actions.

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We have made it very clear that if Chairman Kim is ready to talk, the Trump administration is ready to talk.

The transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) to South Korea was also a key topic. Hair stressed that the transfer must be "condition-based," requiring South Korea to possess adequate deterrence, military capabilities, budget, and other necessary elements to prevent creating a power vacuum exploitable by adversaries. He deferred the timeline to the preferences of the Department of Defense and U.S. Forces Korea, stating the State Department's role is within a broader interagency discussion, with the military leading the process.

Former National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien supported the OPCON transfer in principle, calling South Korea a capable ally. However, he echoed concerns about leaving openings for adversaries like North Korea, China, and Russia, urging a cautious approach based on military conditions rather than political timelines. He also suggested that a combined command structure would likely persist as long as U.S. troops remain in Korea.

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Regardless of how that effort unfolds, North Korean denuclearization remains a top priority for us.

Discussions also touched upon regulations affecting U.S. companies in South Korea. Hair acknowledged that despite agreements on fair treatment, some discriminatory practices have been observed. He asserted that the U.S. seeks only fair treatment and will voice concerns if American businesses are not treated equitably, linking this to the Trump administration's "America First" foreign policy and commercial diplomacy.

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The transfer of wartime operational control must be condition-based.