Trump tweeted Friday, “I have asked Secretary of State Mike Pompeo not to go to North Korea, at this time, because I feel we are not making sufficient progress with respect to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.”
Why Are We Not Making Progress?
The president wrote that China’s lack of support is “because of our much tougher Trading stance.” China and the U.S. have both raised tariffs on incoming goods. Trump says that because China is North Korea’s largest trading partner, they have the greatest influence.
Still Open to Talks
One official said that Trump’s decision to cancel the meeting does not appear to indicate military action. No defense or intelligence officials were present at the meeting. This anonymous official said that the meeting only concerned diplomatic matters.
Trump ended his Twitter comments Friday by writing, “Pompeo looks forward to going to North Korea in the near future, most likely after our Trading relationship with China is resolved.” He added, “In the meantime I would like to send my warmest regards and respect to Chairman Kim. I look forward to seeing him soon!”
