US&nbsp;President Donald Trump is open to a third summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un but some time may have to go by before this takes place, Trump's national security adviser said on Sunday.

Speaking on ABC, John Bolton said the United States has no illusions about North Korea's capabilities, but Trump remains confident in his personal relationship with the North Korean leader.&nbsp;

Bolton's comments came after two US&nbsp;think tanks and Seoul's spy agency said last week that North Korea was rebuilding a rocket launch site at Sohae in the west of the country.&nbsp;

There have also been reports from South Korea's intelligence service of new activity at a factory at Sanumdong near Pyongyang that produced North Korea's first intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the United States.&nbsp;

Bolton declined to discuss those reports or say whether a new North Korean missile launch would scuttle engagement with the United States. He said, however, that it was a mistake to assume North Korea would "automatically" comply with its obligations.

"The president's confident in his personal relationship with Kim Jong Un. He's invested a lot of time in trying to develop that relationship," Bolton told ABC's "This Week."

"He said he's open to a third summit, none has been scheduled, and some time may have to go by. &nbsp;But he’s prepared to engage again because he does think that the prospects for North Korea, which he’s been trying to persuade Kim Jong Un to accept if they denuclearized, are really quite spectacular," Bolton said.

Trump told reporters Friday he would be disappointed if Pyongyang were to resume weapons testing and reiterated his belief in his good relationship with the North Korean leader, despite the recent collapse of their second summit in Hanoi.

North Korea has frozen nuclear and missile testing since 2017, and Trump has pointed to this as a positive outcome from nearly a year of high-level engagement with North Korea.

Bolton said he thought Kim has a "very clear idea" where Trump stands on missile tests. US&nbsp;intelligence is constantly watching North Korea, he said.

"We see exactly what they’re doing now. &nbsp;We see it unblinkingly, and we don't have any illusions about what their capabilities are," he said.

Bolton said he was unaware of any recent US&nbsp;contact with North Korea, but that he would be talking Monday with his South Korean counterpart, who may have been in touch with the North.

US President Donald Trump is open to a third summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un but some time may have to go by before this takes place, Trump's national security adviser said on Sunday.

US President Donald Trump is open to a third summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un but some time may have to go by before this takes place, Trump's national security adviser said on Sunday. Speaking on ABC, John Bolton said the United States has no illusions about North Korea's capabilities, but Trump remains confident in his personal relationship with the North Korean leader. Bolton's comments came after two US think tanks and Seoul's spy agency said last week that North Korea was rebuilding a rocket launch site at Sohae in the west of the country. There have also been reports from South Korea's intelligence service of new activity at a factory at Sanumdong near Pyongyang that produced North Korea's first intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the United States. Bolton declined to discuss those reports or say whether a new North Korean missile launch would scuttle engagement with the United States. He said, however, that it was a mistake to assume North Korea would "automatically" comply with its obligations. "The president's confident in his personal relationship with Kim Jong Un. He's invested a lot of time in trying to develop that relationship," Bolton told ABC's "This Week." "He said he's open to a third summit, none has been scheduled, and some time may have to go by. But he’s prepared to engage again because he does think that the prospects for North Korea, which he’s been trying to persuade Kim Jong Un to accept if they denuclearized, are really quite spectacular," Bolton said. Trump told reporters Friday he would be disappointed if Pyongyang were to resume weapons testing and reiterated his belief in his good relationship with the North Korean leader, despite the recent collapse of their second summit in Hanoi. North Korea has frozen nuclear and missile testing since 2017, and Trump has pointed to this as a positive outcome from nearly a year of high-level engagement with North Korea. Bolton said he thought Kim has a "very clear idea" where Trump stands on missile tests. US intelligence is constantly watching North Korea, he said. "We see exactly what they’re doing now. We see it unblinkingly, and we don't have any illusions about what their capabilities are," he said. Bolton said he was unaware of any recent US contact with North Korea, but that he would be talking Monday with his South Korean counterpart, who may have been in touch with the North.

Some time may pass before a third North Korea summit: Bolton

South Korea will work with the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/our-stance-will-never-change-even-if-us-seeks-further-talks-north-korea-on-us-sanctions-relief-200370">United States and North Korea</a> to ensure they reach agreement on denuclearisation, the South's president said on Friday, a day after talks between the US and North Korean leaders collapsed over sanctions.

A second summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, in Vietnam, was cut short after they failed to reach a deal on the extent of sanctions relief North Korea would get in exchange for steps to dismantle its nuclear programme.

South Korea's President Moon Jae-in has been an active supporter of efforts to end confrontation on the Korean peninsula, meeting Kim three times last year and trying to facilitate his nuclear negotiations with the United States.

"My administration will closely communicate and cooperate with the United States and North Korea so as to help their talks reach a complete settlement by any means," Moon said in a speech in the South Korean capital, Seoul.

Moon also said South Korea would consult with the United States on ways to resume joint projects with the North including tourism development at Mount Kumgang and the Kaesong industrial complex, both in North Korea.

The Hanoi summit came eight months after Trump and Kim met for the first time in Singapore and agreed to establish new relations and peace in exchange for a North Korean commitment to work toward complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

Trump said two days of talks had made good progress but it was important not to rush into a bad deal. He said he had walked away because of unacceptable North Korean demands.

"It was all about the sanctions," Trump told a news conference after the talks were cut short. "Basically, they wanted the sanctions lifted in their entirety, and we couldn't do that."

'Biggest step'

However, North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho told a midnight news conference after Trump left Hanoi that North Korea had sought only a partial lifting of sanctions "related to people's livelihoods and unrelated to military sanctions".

He said North Korea had offered a realistic proposal involving the dismantling of all of its main nuclear site at Yongbyon, including plutonium and uranium facilities, by engineers from both countries.

"This is the biggest denuclearisation step we can take based on the current level of trust between the two countries," Ri said.

North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui told the same briefing she had the impression that Kim "might lose his willingness to pursue a deal" after the U.S. side rejected a partial lifting of sanctions in return for the destruction of Yongbyon, "something we had never offered before".

But despite raising that doubt, both sides indicated they wanted to maintain the momentum and press on.

North Korean media adopted a conciliatory tone.

The state KCNA news agency said Kim and Trump had a constructive and sincere exchange and decided to continue productive talks, without mentioning that the talks ended abruptly with no agreement.

Kim, who is due to leave Vietnam on Saturday, also expressed gratitude to Trump for travelling so far and actively putting in efforts to get results, KCNA added.

'Opportunity to talk'

A US&nbsp;Sate Department official said the North Korean media report had been "quite constructive".

"(It) suggests to me that like us there’s still ample opportunity to talk," the official, who declined to be identified, told reporters.

North Korea had proposed closing part of its Yongbyon nuclear complex in exchange for the lifting of all UN sanctions except those directly targeting their weapons of mass destruction programmes, the official said.

The United Nations and the United States ratcheted up sanctions on North Korea when the reclusive state conducted repeated nuclear and ballistic missile tests in 2017, cutting off its main sources of hard cash.

"The dilemma that we were confronted with is the North Koreans at this point are unwilling to impose a complete freeze on their weapons of mass destruction programmes," the official told reporters.

"So to give many, many billions of dollars in sanctions relief would in effect put us in a position of subsidising the ongoing development of weapons of mass destruction," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Analysts estimate North Korea may have a nuclear arsenal of 20 to 60 weapons which, if fitted to intercontinental ballistic missiles it has developed, could threaten the US mainland.

The collapse of the summit leaves Kim in possession of that arsenal though Trump said the North Korean leader had agreed to maintain his moratorium on nuclear and ballistic missile tests.

Trump spoke to the leaders of South Korea and Japan on his way back from Hanoi and told them the United States would work with them and talk to North Korea, the White House said.

Failure to reach an agreement marks a setback for Trump, a self-styled dealmaker under pressure at home over his ties to Russia and testimony from Michael Cohen, his former personal lawyer who accused him of breaking the law while in office.

South Korea will work with the United States and North Korea to ensure they reach agreement on denuclearisation, the South's president said on Friday, a day after talks between the US and North Korean leaders collapsed over sanctions.

South Korea will work with the United States and North Korea to ensure they reach agreement on denuclearisation, the South's president said on Friday, a day after talks between the US and North Korean leaders collapsed over sanctions. A second summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, in Vietnam, was cut short after they failed to reach a deal on the extent of sanctions relief North Korea would get in exchange for steps to dismantle its nuclear programme. South Korea's President Moon Jae-in has been an active supporter of efforts to end confrontation on the Korean peninsula, meeting Kim three times last year and trying to facilitate his nuclear negotiations with the United States. "My administration will closely communicate and cooperate with the United States and North Korea so as to help their talks reach a complete settlement by any means," Moon said in a speech in the South Korean capital, Seoul. Moon also said South Korea would consult with the United States on ways to resume joint projects with the North including tourism development at Mount Kumgang and the Kaesong industrial complex, both in North Korea. The Hanoi summit came eight months after Trump and Kim met for the first time in Singapore and agreed to establish new relations and peace in exchange for a North Korean commitment to work toward complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. Trump said two days of talks had made good progress but it was important not to rush into a bad deal. He said he had walked away because of unacceptable North Korean demands. "It was all about the sanctions," Trump told a news conference after the talks were cut short. "Basically, they wanted the sanctions lifted in their entirety, and we couldn't do that." 'Biggest step' However, North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho told a midnight news conference after Trump left Hanoi that North Korea had sought only a partial lifting of sanctions "related to people's livelihoods and unrelated to military sanctions". He said North Korea had offered a realistic proposal involving the dismantling of all of its main nuclear site at Yongbyon, including plutonium and uranium facilities, by engineers from both countries. "This is the biggest denuclearisation step we can take based on the current level of trust between the two countries," Ri said. North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui told the same briefing she had the impression that Kim "might lose his willingness to pursue a deal" after the U.S. side rejected a partial lifting of sanctions in return for the destruction of Yongbyon, "something we had never offered before". But despite raising that doubt, both sides indicated they wanted to maintain the momentum and press on. North Korean media adopted a conciliatory tone. The state KCNA news agency said Kim and Trump had a constructive and sincere exchange and decided to continue productive talks, without mentioning that the talks ended abruptly with no agreement. Kim, who is due to leave Vietnam on Saturday, also expressed gratitude to Trump for travelling so far and actively putting in efforts to get results, KCNA added. 'Opportunity to talk' A US Sate Department official said the North Korean media report had been "quite constructive". "(It) suggests to me that like us there’s still ample opportunity to talk," the official, who declined to be identified, told reporters. North Korea had proposed closing part of its Yongbyon nuclear complex in exchange for the lifting of all UN sanctions except those directly targeting their weapons of mass destruction programmes, the official said. The United Nations and the United States ratcheted up sanctions on North Korea when the reclusive state conducted repeated nuclear and ballistic missile tests in 2017, cutting off its main sources of hard cash. "The dilemma that we were confronted with is the North Koreans at this point are unwilling to impose a complete freeze on their weapons of mass destruction programmes," the official told reporters. "So to give many, many billions of dollars in sanctions relief would in effect put us in a position of subsidising the ongoing development of weapons of mass destruction," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Analysts estimate North Korea may have a nuclear arsenal of 20 to 60 weapons which, if fitted to intercontinental ballistic missiles it has developed, could threaten the US mainland. The collapse of the summit leaves Kim in possession of that arsenal though Trump said the North Korean leader had agreed to maintain his moratorium on nuclear and ballistic missile tests. Trump spoke to the leaders of South Korea and Japan on his way back from Hanoi and told them the United States would work with them and talk to North Korea, the White House said. Failure to reach an agreement marks a setback for Trump, a self-styled dealmaker under pressure at home over his ties to Russia and testimony from Michael Cohen, his former personal lawyer who accused him of breaking the law while in office.

South Korea to work with US and North Korea after failed nuclear talks

Hanoi's Sofitel Legend Metropole hosting the president of the United States and the North Korean leader for their second summit is one of the most iconic legacies of the French rule in Vietnam, not just for its architectural wonder but also for its storied past.

Ahead of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/hanoi-summit-ready-to-denuclearise-or-would-not-be-holding-second-summit-with-trump-says-kim-jong-un-200167">meeting between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un</a>, the luxury hotel was decorated with North Korean and Vietnamese flags and surrounded by dozens of security personnel who only allowed the hotel guests to use one of the entrances.

Opened in 1901 with funds from French investors, the complex soon became one of the meeting points for the colonial high society of that era, comprising majorly of the French authorities and local elites.

A single-day stay at the hotel could cost between €270-1,200 (around $307-$1,366).

In a city that has in the last few years been transforming in giant strides, leaving behind its colonial architectural legacies, the hotel, with its distinctive white façade, is one of the few places in Hanoi where time seems to have stopped since the past century and more.

Soon after its opening, it became a favourite spot for celebrities who would visit the then capital Tonkon.

These include Charlie Chaplin, who in the year 1936, at the peak of his fame, spent his honeymoon at the hotel with actor Paulette Godard.

In 1951, British author Graham Green wrote a part of his most famous novel "The Quiet American" - which is set in southern Saigon - in of the rooms of the Metropole.

With the decolonization and partition of Vietnam into two states in 1956, the Metropole came under the dominion of the communist regime of the north and lost some of its charms to the other hotels in Saigon.

During the turbulent years of the war with the US, a bunker was built in its basement to protect guests from bombings.

In 1972, actor and peace activist Jane Fonda and singer Joan Baez stayed there at the time of air raids during Christmas and sang with a Vietnamese guitarist.

The bunker was forgotten for a long time until a secret passage of 40 square meters was found by chance in 2011 by some workers and was made into a tourist attraction for guests.

In the recent times, the hotel has hosted international dignitaries such as Trump, who stayed there during his official visit to the country in November 2017 and also actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, during their trip in 2006.

Hanoi's Sofitel Legend Metropole hosting the president of the United States and the North Korean leader for their second summit is one of the most iconic legacies of the French rule in Vietnam, not just for its architectural wonder but also for its storied past.

Hanoi's Sofitel Legend Metropole hosting the president of the United States and the North Korean leader for their second summit is one of the most iconic legacies of the French rule in Vietnam, not just for its architectural wonder but also for its storied past. Ahead of the meeting between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un, the luxury hotel was decorated with North Korean and Vietnamese flags and surrounded by dozens of security personnel who only allowed the hotel guests to use one of the entrances. Opened in 1901 with funds from French investors, the complex soon became one of the meeting points for the colonial high society of that era, comprising majorly of the French authorities and local elites. A single-day stay at the hotel could cost between €270-1,200 (around $307-$1,366). In a city that has in the last few years been transforming in giant strides, leaving behind its colonial architectural legacies, the hotel, with its distinctive white façade, is one of the few places in Hanoi where time seems to have stopped since the past century and more. Soon after its opening, it became a favourite spot for celebrities who would visit the then capital Tonkon. These include Charlie Chaplin, who in the year 1936, at the peak of his fame, spent his honeymoon at the hotel with actor Paulette Godard. In 1951, British author Graham Green wrote a part of his most famous novel "The Quiet American" - which is set in southern Saigon - in of the rooms of the Metropole. With the decolonization and partition of Vietnam into two states in 1956, the Metropole came under the dominion of the communist regime of the north and lost some of its charms to the other hotels in Saigon. During the turbulent years of the war with the US, a bunker was built in its basement to protect guests from bombings. In 1972, actor and peace activist Jane Fonda and singer Joan Baez stayed there at the time of air raids during Christmas and sang with a Vietnamese guitarist. The bunker was forgotten for a long time until a secret passage of 40 square meters was found by chance in 2011 by some workers and was made into a tourist attraction for guests. In the recent times, the hotel has hosted international dignitaries such as Trump, who stayed there during his official visit to the country in November 2017 and also actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, during their trip in 2006.

Hanoi's Metropole hosting Kim-Trump summit has a storied past

Two negotiators who met barely one month ago have been tasked with handling preparations and setting the agenda for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-deal-with-kim-thwarted-by-north-korean-sanction-demands-200231">second summit between the leaders of the United States and North Korea</a>, which started on Wednesday.

These two officials, from North Korea and the United States respectively, have worked hard behind the scenes to make the second encounter between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un in Hanoi possible.

The first, Kim Hyok-chol, is the former North Korean ambassador to Spain and an expert in North Korea's nuclear program.

His appointment as the man in charge of the preparatory talks for the second summit between US President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un came as a surprise when it was announced in late January, barely a month before the meeting.

Kim, 47, has been North Korea's only ambassador to Spain until now, having headed the North Korean embassy in Madrid since it opened in 2014 before being expelled by the Spanish government in 2017 in response to Pyongyang's nuclear and missile tests.

Married with two children, this career diplomat, who graduated in linguistics and holds a doctorate in foreign language, is known to be fond of Spain, a country which he had admitted he loves to visit.

After his expulsion in 2017, Kim had told EFE that he was stunned by that Spain had taken that step.

A big fan of the Spanish top flight La Liga, the diplomat had said his dream was to take Spanish players to North Korea to boost sport training programs, which he says could help bilateral ties.

While he has not been able to bring any soccer players home, he did help in organizing the first tour of North Korea by a flamenco group in Apr. 2016.

Thae Yong-ho, the number two in the North Korean embassy in London in 2016 and one of the highest-ranked North Korean defectors in the last two decades, said recently that Kim's appointment indicated a strategy by the regime to outmanoeuvre Washington ahead of the negotiations to set the summit's agenda.

Thae said Kim Hyok-chol was a great orator and warned that he had been deeply involved in the regime's nuclear deterrence policy during his career abroad, contrary to the tone favouring denuclearization that he has recently had to champion.

The second main architect of the summit is Stephen Biegun, who has switched roles from being an expert on Russia to becoming the go-to man for diplomacy with North Korea.

In Aug. 2018, Biegun, 55, was handed the delicate task of pressurizing Pyongyang to make good on its vague commitment to denuclearization, as agreed on during the first summit in Singapore.

During the last six months, he has had to contend with the contradicting signals from Pyongyang, who changed their negotiator in January, but also challenges from within the US, such as from National Security Advisor John Bolton, who doubts Biegun's diplomatic acumen and has backed a tougher stance in the talks with the North Koreans.

An expert on Russia, where he lived in the 1990s, Biegun began to influence US policy on North Korea in 2003 - at the beginning of the Six-Party Talks with Pyongyang - working under Condoleezza Rice, the NSA under former president George W Bush.

A graduate in Russian and political science, Biegun made a name for himself in Washington as an advisor to two Republican senators before taking an executive position at car manufacturer Ford in 2004, which he held until Secretary of State Mike Pompeo asked him to join his team.

In 2008 he had held the unenviable job of serving as the foreign policy advisor to the Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin, who was ridiculed for claiming in an interview that she could "see Russia" from her house in Alaska.

Two negotiators who met barely one month ago have been tasked with handling preparations and setting the agenda for the second summit between the leaders of the United States and North Korea, which started on Wednesday.

Two negotiators who met barely one month ago have been tasked with handling preparations and setting the agenda for the second summit between the leaders of the United States and North Korea, which started on Wednesday. These two officials, from North Korea and the United States respectively, have worked hard behind the scenes to make the second encounter between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un in Hanoi possible. The first, Kim Hyok-chol, is the former North Korean ambassador to Spain and an expert in North Korea's nuclear program. His appointment as the man in charge of the preparatory talks for the second summit between US President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un came as a surprise when it was announced in late January, barely a month before the meeting. Kim, 47, has been North Korea's only ambassador to Spain until now, having headed the North Korean embassy in Madrid since it opened in 2014 before being expelled by the Spanish government in 2017 in response to Pyongyang's nuclear and missile tests. Married with two children, this career diplomat, who graduated in linguistics and holds a doctorate in foreign language, is known to be fond of Spain, a country which he had admitted he loves to visit. After his expulsion in 2017, Kim had told EFE that he was stunned by that Spain had taken that step. A big fan of the Spanish top flight La Liga, the diplomat had said his dream was to take Spanish players to North Korea to boost sport training programs, which he says could help bilateral ties. While he has not been able to bring any soccer players home, he did help in organizing the first tour of North Korea by a flamenco group in Apr. 2016. Thae Yong-ho, the number two in the North Korean embassy in London in 2016 and one of the highest-ranked North Korean defectors in the last two decades, said recently that Kim's appointment indicated a strategy by the regime to outmanoeuvre Washington ahead of the negotiations to set the summit's agenda. Thae said Kim Hyok-chol was a great orator and warned that he had been deeply involved in the regime's nuclear deterrence policy during his career abroad, contrary to the tone favouring denuclearization that he has recently had to champion. The second main architect of the summit is Stephen Biegun, who has switched roles from being an expert on Russia to becoming the go-to man for diplomacy with North Korea. In Aug. 2018, Biegun, 55, was handed the delicate task of pressurizing Pyongyang to make good on its vague commitment to denuclearization, as agreed on during the first summit in Singapore. During the last six months, he has had to contend with the contradicting signals from Pyongyang, who changed their negotiator in January, but also challenges from within the US, such as from National Security Advisor John Bolton, who doubts Biegun's diplomatic acumen and has backed a tougher stance in the talks with the North Koreans. An expert on Russia, where he lived in the 1990s, Biegun began to influence US policy on North Korea in 2003 - at the beginning of the Six-Party Talks with Pyongyang - working under Condoleezza Rice, the NSA under former president George W Bush. A graduate in Russian and political science, Biegun made a name for himself in Washington as an advisor to two Republican senators before taking an executive position at car manufacturer Ford in 2004, which he held until Secretary of State Mike Pompeo asked him to join his team. In 2008 he had held the unenviable job of serving as the foreign policy advisor to the Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin, who was ridiculed for claiming in an interview that she could "see Russia" from her house in Alaska.

The Hispanophile and Russian expert who prepared Kim-Trump summit in Hanoi

An impersonator of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Monday said Vietnamese authorities were deporting him from the country, just 24 hours before the real Kim was expected to arrive in Hanoi ahead of a summit with the president of the United States.

Donald Trump is due to attend a second summit with the North Korean dictator on Wednesday and Thursday.

In a Facebook post, the comedian, known as Howard X, said three officers had escorted him to the airport in the capital, where he boarded a Vietnam Airlines flight bound for Singapore.

The police had detained him on Friday to question the impersonator, who is a resident of Hong Kong, and told him that his visa was "invalid."

"My real crime was looking like the president of North Korea," the comedian said, who also published a photograph of him bidding farewell to an impersonator of Donald Trump, whom the local authorities have allowed remaining in the country for several more days but have barred him from any public performances.

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The pair kissed and hugged as they said their goodbyes in front of a throng of cameras and reporters at a hotel in Hanoi on Monday before Howard X was escorted to the airport.

The real Kim Jong-un is expected to arrive Monday or Tuesday in Hanoi for a state visit before the summit with the US president later this week.

In the first visit by a North Korean leader to Vietnam since the reunification of the Southeast Asian country in 1975, Kim will meet with the president and General Secretary of the Communist Party, Nguyen Phu Trong, at the presidential palace in Hanoi.

Kim and Trump are scheduled to hold their second summit in the Vietnamese capital after meeting for the first time in Singapore in Jun. 2018.

The two are expected to discuss the stalled denuclearization of the Pyongyang regime, which the pair agreed to work towards after their summit last year.

Howard X and Trump impersonator Russell White also made headlines in the run-up to that first meeting in Singapore.

The fake Kim had said that Singaporean authorities had briefly detained him at the airport upon his arrival, but he was allowed to remain for the duration of the summit.

An impersonator of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Monday said Vietnamese authorities were deporting him from the country, just 24 hours before the real Kim was expected to arrive in Hanoi ahead of a summit with the president of the United States.

An impersonator of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Monday said Vietnamese authorities were deporting him from the country, just 24 hours before the real Kim was expected to arrive in Hanoi ahead of a summit with the president of the United States. Donald Trump is due to attend a second summit with the North Korean dictator on Wednesday and Thursday. In a Facebook post, the comedian, known as Howard X, said three officers had escorted him to the airport in the capital, where he boarded a Vietnam Airlines flight bound for Singapore. The police had detained him on Friday to question the impersonator, who is a resident of Hong Kong, and told him that his visa was "invalid." "My real crime was looking like the president of North Korea," the comedian said, who also published a photograph of him bidding farewell to an impersonator of Donald Trump, whom the local authorities have allowed remaining in the country for several more days but have barred him from any public performances. × The pair kissed and hugged as they said their goodbyes in front of a throng of cameras and reporters at a hotel in Hanoi on Monday before Howard X was escorted to the airport. The real Kim Jong-un is expected to arrive Monday or Tuesday in Hanoi for a state visit before the summit with the US president later this week. In the first visit by a North Korean leader to Vietnam since the reunification of the Southeast Asian country in 1975, Kim will meet with the president and General Secretary of the Communist Party, Nguyen Phu Trong, at the presidential palace in Hanoi. Kim and Trump are scheduled to hold their second summit in the Vietnamese capital after meeting for the first time in Singapore in Jun. 2018. The two are expected to discuss the stalled denuclearization of the Pyongyang regime, which the pair agreed to work towards after their summit last year. Howard X and Trump impersonator Russell White also made headlines in the run-up to that first meeting in Singapore. The fake Kim had said that Singaporean authorities had briefly detained him at the airport upon his arrival, but he was allowed to remain for the duration of the summit.

Vietnam deports Kim Jong-un impersonator ahead of Kim-Trump summit in Hanoi

While South Korea has every reason to be cheerful about the upcoming summit of US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Vietnam, hoping for a peaceful nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, but with North Korean not doing enough to move towards denuclearisation, the hope appears to be impractical.&nbsp;

Despite doing all the hard work for getting them together at Singapore for the first summit, South Korea would have realised, by now, that nothing worthwhile progressed beyond optics of a successful breakthrough.&nbsp;

President Trump in a speech, earlier this month, had announced the summit with the hope that North Korea would comply with the Singapore understanding by North Korea.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had earlier reiterated that sanctions will remain until Pyongyang carries out the complete verifiable denuclearisation commitments made in Singapore.&nbsp;

The US is unlikely to settle down unless the threat to its mainland is eliminated. President Trump is also carrying the baggage of promise to do something, which his predecessors could not do with North Korea; hence with full awareness of reality, he may not pitch high hopes but will have face-saving negotiations with North Korea.

North Korea, on the other hand, had been pursuing a "byungjin" policy of simultaneously developing its nuclear capabilities alongside the economy. With seemingly impractical promises made by North Korea in Singapore to get immediate relief from tough US sanctions, it stands disappointed as it’s smart move did not work. In November 2018, it warned the US that it will seriously consider returning to its erstwhile state policy of building nuclear weapons if the US does not withdraw economic sanctions against it.&nbsp;

North Korea is unlikely to give away its only strategic leverage after witnessing the fate of Iraq, Libya and recently Iraq. Kim's acts can be seen as 'nuclear blackmailing', but it is a feather in the cap of Kim which makes him taller in domestic as well as the global arena. UN reports also indicate that no worthwhile denuclearisation has happened in North Korea. &nbsp;

Expectations of other key players&nbsp;

South Korea will be genuinely looking for peace. Besides the nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, it suits South Korea to have an economically prosperous North Korea.

South Korea's gesture to recommence rail and road transportation between North and South Korea reflects its desire for better relations. China may not necessarily be too happy with Korean bonhomie and if the US obliges (although chances are remote) a US aligned peaceful Korean Peninsula.&nbsp;

China will never like the buffer between its mainland and US Forces in South Korea to go away and Kim to be stripped off all nukes.

China, however, made a smart move by unilaterally commencing logistics support and trade with North Korea. 
 
Japan will continue to be sceptical of North Korea with the threat it poses to it. The Russian concerns will be no different than Chinese regarding the development of THAAD. For any lasting solution China, Japan and Russia will have to be taken on board as the issue has crossed the limit of being a bilateral issue. &nbsp;

Will the summit succeed?&nbsp;

In diplomatic circles, no summit ever fails because minimum it can achieve is to develop better understanding and plan for further negotiations.&nbsp;

Having lost majority in Senate, President Trump will have to address the foreign policy issues to convince his voters for next Presidential elections that he tried his best.

US Defense Intelligence Agency report suggests that Iran and North Korea pose an increasing challenge to the US in space as both countries have developed jamming capabilities, which can also add to the agenda of the upcoming summit.&nbsp;

As a strategic analyst, I do not expect anything concrete coming out of the summit which can amuse the affected parties or the global community, except diplomatic niceties to lower temperatures, but both parties will claim it to be a success.&nbsp;

The fact that President Trump is meeting Kim Jong-un again means that 'nuclear blackmailing' works.

Expectations notwithstanding, it will be a summit which shows the priority of Trump administration, and perhaps the US also wants to give some signal to China by holding the summit in Chinese backyard with one of its closest allies.

The summit is being held at a time when the duration of truce in the trade war between the US and China is shrinking.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

&nbsp;&nbsp;

While South Korea has every reason to be cheerful about the upcoming summit of US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Vietnam, hoping for a peaceful nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, but with North Korean not doing enough to move towards denuclearisation, the hope appears to be impractical.

While South Korea has every reason to be cheerful about the upcoming summit of US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Vietnam, hoping for a peaceful nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, but with North Korean not doing enough to move towards denuclearisation, the hope appears to be impractical. Despite doing all the hard work for getting them together at Singapore for the first summit, South Korea would have realised, by now, that nothing worthwhile progressed beyond optics of a successful breakthrough. President Trump in a speech, earlier this month, had announced the summit with the hope that North Korea would comply with the Singapore understanding by North Korea. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had earlier reiterated that sanctions will remain until Pyongyang carries out the complete verifiable denuclearisation commitments made in Singapore. The US is unlikely to settle down unless the threat to its mainland is eliminated. President Trump is also carrying the baggage of promise to do something, which his predecessors could not do with North Korea; hence with full awareness of reality, he may not pitch high hopes but will have face-saving negotiations with North Korea. North Korea, on the other hand, had been pursuing a "byungjin" policy of simultaneously developing its nuclear capabilities alongside the economy. With seemingly impractical promises made by North Korea in Singapore to get immediate relief from tough US sanctions, it stands disappointed as it’s smart move did not work. In November 2018, it warned the US that it will seriously consider returning to its erstwhile state policy of building nuclear weapons if the US does not withdraw economic sanctions against it. North Korea is unlikely to give away its only strategic leverage after witnessing the fate of Iraq, Libya and recently Iraq. Kim's acts can be seen as 'nuclear blackmailing', but it is a feather in the cap of Kim which makes him taller in domestic as well as the global arena. UN reports also indicate that no worthwhile denuclearisation has happened in North Korea. Expectations of other key players South Korea will be genuinely looking for peace. Besides the nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, it suits South Korea to have an economically prosperous North Korea. South Korea's gesture to recommence rail and road transportation between North and South Korea reflects its desire for better relations. China may not necessarily be too happy with Korean bonhomie and if the US obliges (although chances are remote) a US aligned peaceful Korean Peninsula. China will never like the buffer between its mainland and US Forces in South Korea to go away and Kim to be stripped off all nukes. China, however, made a smart move by unilaterally commencing logistics support and trade with North Korea. Japan will continue to be sceptical of North Korea with the threat it poses to it. The Russian concerns will be no different than Chinese regarding the development of THAAD. For any lasting solution China, Japan and Russia will have to be taken on board as the issue has crossed the limit of being a bilateral issue. Will the summit succeed? In diplomatic circles, no summit ever fails because minimum it can achieve is to develop better understanding and plan for further negotiations. Having lost majority in Senate, President Trump will have to address the foreign policy issues to convince his voters for next Presidential elections that he tried his best. US Defense Intelligence Agency report suggests that Iran and North Korea pose an increasing challenge to the US in space as both countries have developed jamming capabilities, which can also add to the agenda of the upcoming summit. As a strategic analyst, I do not expect anything concrete coming out of the summit which can amuse the affected parties or the global community, except diplomatic niceties to lower temperatures, but both parties will claim it to be a success. The fact that President Trump is meeting Kim Jong-un again means that 'nuclear blackmailing' works. Expectations notwithstanding, it will be a summit which shows the priority of Trump administration, and perhaps the US also wants to give some signal to China by holding the summit in Chinese backyard with one of its closest allies. The summit is being held at a time when the duration of truce in the trade war between the US and China is shrinking. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

What to expect from the Trump-Kim summit II

&nbsp;North Korea's state media KCNA reported <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-jong-un-ends-beijing-visit-as-trump-summit-looms-189192">today that Kim Jong-un's visit to China</a> led to in-depth discussions with President Xi on how to "jointly study and steer" the situation on the Korean peninsula and denuclearisation talks.

Kim reportedly told Xi that there<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-discusses-expected-summit-with-trump-in-talks-in-china-report-189075"> is no change in North Korea's stand </a>towards the agreement reached with President Trump in the Singapore summit in June last year.

Meanwhile, China's state media Xinhua news agency said Xi told Kim that "political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue faces a rare historic opportunity."&nbsp;

"China supports the DPRK and the United States holding summits and achieving results, and supports relevant parties resolving their respective legitimate concerns through dialogue", Xi told Kim according to the Chinese state media.

Kim had visited China on Monday travelling in a private train to meet Xi who he had met three times last year even as he held summit meeting with US President Trump and &nbsp;South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

Kim was accompanied by his wife Ri Sol Ju, and senior North Korean officials.

"China hopes that the DPRK and the United States will meet each other halfway," Xi reportedly told Kim during the meeting, adding that &nbsp;China stands ready to play a "positive and constructive role to maintain peace and stability and achieve denuclearisation on the peninsula."

Kim said he will "make efforts for the second summit between DPRK and US leaders to achieve results that will be welcomed by the international community". Kim's meeting with Xi comes ahead of the expected second summit with President Trump due to take place this year.

Xinhua news agency said both leaders had a "cordial and friendly" meeting and pledged to make joint efforts to promote development.

North Korea's state media KCNA reported today that Kim Jong-un's visit to China led to in-depth discussions with President Xi on how to "jointly study and steer" the situation on the Korean peninsula and denuclearisation talks.

North Korea's state media KCNA reported today that Kim Jong-un's visit to China led to in-depth discussions with President Xi on how to "jointly study and steer" the situation on the Korean peninsula and denuclearisation talks. Kim reportedly told Xi that there is no change in North Korea's stand towards the agreement reached with President Trump in the Singapore summit in June last year. Meanwhile, China's state media Xinhua news agency said Xi told Kim that "political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue faces a rare historic opportunity." "China supports the DPRK and the United States holding summits and achieving results, and supports relevant parties resolving their respective legitimate concerns through dialogue", Xi told Kim according to the Chinese state media. Kim had visited China on Monday travelling in a private train to meet Xi who he had met three times last year even as he held summit meeting with US President Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Kim was accompanied by his wife Ri Sol Ju, and senior North Korean officials. "China hopes that the DPRK and the United States will meet each other halfway," Xi reportedly told Kim during the meeting, adding that China stands ready to play a "positive and constructive role to maintain peace and stability and achieve denuclearisation on the peninsula." Kim said he will "make efforts for the second summit between DPRK and US leaders to achieve results that will be welcomed by the international community". Kim's meeting with Xi comes ahead of the expected second summit with President Trump due to take place this year. Xinhua news agency said both leaders had a "cordial and friendly" meeting and pledged to make joint efforts to promote development.

China hopes North Korea and US meet each other halfway: President Xi to Kim

The US&nbspPresident Donald Trump, in a complete reversal, said on Friday he would hold a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on June 12 in Singapore in the latest twist in the high-stakes diplomacy over eliminating Pyongyang's nuclear arms program.

Eight days after cancelling the unprecedented summit, citing Pyongyang's "open hostility," Trump welcomed North Korea's former intelligence chief, currently under punitive US&nbspsanctions, to the White House Oval Office, afterwards exchanging smiles and handshakes, patting his arm in a friendly gesture.

"Good meeting today. I think it's a great start," Trump said after conferring for about 90 minutes with Kim Yong Chol, who became the first North Korean official to visit the White House in 18 years and who the US&nbsppresident called "the second most powerful man in North Korea."

Trump said he expected an eventual "very positive result" with North Korea but dampened expectations for a breakthrough in Singapore.

"We`re not going to go in and sign something on June 12th, and we never were," Trump told reporters on the White House lawn. "We`re going to start a process. And I told them today, `Take your time, we can go fast, we can go slowly,` but I think they`d like to see something happen."

Trump said it could take several meetings to reach an agreement, but he was convinced that Kim Jong Un was committed to denuclearisation. "He`d like to see it happen," Trump said.

It was an extraordinary change in tone from a president who last year threatened to rain "fire and fury like the world has never seen" on North Korea because of the threat its nuclear weapons and missiles posed to the United States.&nbsp

Trump even backed away from the words "maximum pressure" that his administration had used to describe its approach to North Korea, combining the toughest-ever US&nbspand international economic sanctions with diplomatic actions and the Republican president`s military threats and preparations.

Getting along

"We`re getting along, so it`s not a question of maximum pressure," Trump said. "At some point, hopefully ... for the good of millions of people, a deal will be worked out."

Trump said one thing that could come out of the summit is an agreement formally ending the 1950-53 Korean War, which was concluded only with a truce, not a peace treaty.&nbsp

"We are going to discuss it prior to the meeting. That`s something that could come out of the meeting," Trump said when asked if a document ending the war was bring prepared.&nbsp

South Korea`s presidential office said on Saturday that the path to the North Korea-US&nbspsummit had become "broader and firmer," and it would calmly yet excitedly watch the historic meeting to be held in Singapore.&nbsp

The visiting North Korean official, linked by US&nbspintelligence to a high-profile cyber attack on Sony Pictures in 2014, delivered a letter from Kim Jong Un to Trump. A White House official said Trump had read the letter but did not reveal its contents.

Trump wants North Korea to "denuclearize," meaning to get rid of its nuclear arsenal, in return for relief from economic sanctions. But North Korea`s leadership is believed to regard nuclear weapons as crucial to its survival and has rejected unilaterally disarming.

A senior member of Trump`s Republican Party sounded a note of caution. Speaking in Kentucky, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he expected the North Koreans to make "every effort they can to get sanctions and other relief and give up as little as possible."

"For these situations to work, you have to not want the deal too much," McConnell said. "You fall in love with the deal and it`s too important (to) you to get it, and the details become less significant, you could get snookered," McConnell said.

North Korea, whose nuclear ambitions have been a source of tension for decades, has made advances in missile technology in recent years but Trump has sworn not to allow it to develop nuclear missiles that could hit the United States.

Wall Street took news of the summit`s revival in stride.

While Trump sounded conciliatory toward North Korea, Kim used Cold War-style language about Washington during a televised encounter with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Pyongyang on Thursday, referring to

"US&nbsphegemonism." Referring to the Lavrov meeting, Trump said he "didn`t like it."&nbsp

Totally over that

Trump abruptly called off the summit on May 24 after North Korea sharply criticized US Vice President Mike Pence and Trump`s national security adviser, John Bolton. "I think we`re over that, totally over that," Trump said on Friday.

While Trump has put great importance on sealing a nuclear deal with North Korea, and secured the return of three Americans detained there, he has bucked traditional US&nbspforeign policy and alienated America`s European and NATO allies and trading partners.

He snubbed France, Germany and Britain by pulling out of a nuclear agreement with Iran and upset the Europeans, as well as neighbors Canada and Mexico, with protectionist trade policies.

The North Korean envoy, Kim Yong Chol, was the highest-level figure from the reclusive country to hold talks at the White House since a senior envoy visited former President Bill Clinton in 2000. He is vice chairman of the ruling Workers` Party`s Central Committee.

Trump walked the envoy out of the Oval Office to the lawn, posing for photographs as his secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, looked on.

Trump said North Korea's human rights record was not discussed at the meeting.

Kim Yong Chol once served as a bodyguard to the current leader`s father, Kim Jong Il, and was previously chief of the Reconnaissance General Bureau, a North Korean military intelligence agency.

In 2015, then-US&nbspdirector of national intelligence James Clapper described Kim Yong Chol as "the guy who ultimately would have to okay the cyber attack against Sony" in 2014.

North Korean hackers allegedly infiltrated Sony`s systems and destroyed computers and laptops, apparently in retaliation for the entertainment company`s comedy movie "The Interview" that parodied North Korea`s leadership.

Kim Yong Chol has featured on lists of North Korean officials targeted by US&nbspTreasury sanctions, including for supporting his country`s nuclear and missiles programs and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the cyber attack. He was granted special permission to travel to the United States for meetings this week with US&nbspofficials, the State Department said.

He was accused by South Korea of masterminding deadly attacks on a South Korean navy ship and an island in 2010. North Korea denied any involvement in those incidents.&nbsp

Eight days after cancelling the unprecedented summit, citing Pyongyang's 'open hostility,' Trump welcomed North Korea's Kim Yong Chol, currently under punitive US sanctions, to the White House Oval Office

The US&nbspPresident Donald Trump, in a complete reversal, said on Friday he would hold a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on June 12 in Singapore in the latest twist in the high-stakes diplomacy over eliminating Pyongyang's nuclear arms program. Eight days after cancelling the unprecedented summit, citing Pyongyang's "open hostility," Trump welcomed North Korea's former intelligence chief, currently under punitive US&nbspsanctions, to the White House Oval Office, afterwards exchanging smiles and handshakes, patting his arm in a friendly gesture. "Good meeting today. I think it's a great start," Trump said after conferring for about 90 minutes with Kim Yong Chol, who became the first North Korean official to visit the White House in 18 years and who the US&nbsppresident called "the second most powerful man in North Korea." Trump said he expected an eventual "very positive result" with North Korea but dampened expectations for a breakthrough in Singapore. "We`re not going to go in and sign something on June 12th, and we never were," Trump told reporters on the White House lawn. "We`re going to start a process. And I told them today, `Take your time, we can go fast, we can go slowly,` but I think they`d like to see something happen." Trump said it could take several meetings to reach an agreement, but he was convinced that Kim Jong Un was committed to denuclearisation. "He`d like to see it happen," Trump said. It was an extraordinary change in tone from a president who last year threatened to rain "fire and fury like the world has never seen" on North Korea because of the threat its nuclear weapons and missiles posed to the United States. Trump even backed away from the words "maximum pressure" that his administration had used to describe its approach to North Korea, combining the toughest-ever US&nbspand international economic sanctions with diplomatic actions and the Republican president`s military threats and preparations. Getting along "We`re getting along, so it`s not a question of maximum pressure," Trump said. "At some point, hopefully ... for the good of millions of people, a deal will be worked out." Trump said one thing that could come out of the summit is an agreement formally ending the 1950-53 Korean War, which was concluded only with a truce, not a peace treaty. "We are going to discuss it prior to the meeting. That`s something that could come out of the meeting," Trump said when asked if a document ending the war was bring prepared. South Korea`s presidential office said on Saturday that the path to the North Korea-US&nbspsummit had become "broader and firmer," and it would calmly yet excitedly watch the historic meeting to be held in Singapore. The visiting North Korean official, linked by US&nbspintelligence to a high-profile cyber attack on Sony Pictures in 2014, delivered a letter from Kim Jong Un to Trump. A White House official said Trump had read the letter but did not reveal its contents. Trump wants North Korea to "denuclearize," meaning to get rid of its nuclear arsenal, in return for relief from economic sanctions. But North Korea`s leadership is believed to regard nuclear weapons as crucial to its survival and has rejected unilaterally disarming. A senior member of Trump`s Republican Party sounded a note of caution. Speaking in Kentucky, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he expected the North Koreans to make "every effort they can to get sanctions and other relief and give up as little as possible." "For these situations to work, you have to not want the deal too much," McConnell said. "You fall in love with the deal and it`s too important (to) you to get it, and the details become less significant, you could get snookered," McConnell said. North Korea, whose nuclear ambitions have been a source of tension for decades, has made advances in missile technology in recent years but Trump has sworn not to allow it to develop nuclear missiles that could hit the United States. Wall Street took news of the summit`s revival in stride. While Trump sounded conciliatory toward North Korea, Kim used Cold War-style language about Washington during a televised encounter with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Pyongyang on Thursday, referring to "US&nbsphegemonism." Referring to the Lavrov meeting, Trump said he "didn`t like it." Totally over that Trump abruptly called off the summit on May 24 after North Korea sharply criticized US Vice President Mike Pence and Trump`s national security adviser, John Bolton. "I think we`re over that, totally over that," Trump said on Friday. While Trump has put great importance on sealing a nuclear deal with North Korea, and secured the return of three Americans detained there, he has bucked traditional US&nbspforeign policy and alienated America`s European and NATO allies and trading partners. He snubbed France, Germany and Britain by pulling out of a nuclear agreement with Iran and upset the Europeans, as well as neighbors Canada and Mexico, with protectionist trade policies. The North Korean envoy, Kim Yong Chol, was the highest-level figure from the reclusive country to hold talks at the White House since a senior envoy visited former President Bill Clinton in 2000. He is vice chairman of the ruling Workers` Party`s Central Committee. Trump walked the envoy out of the Oval Office to the lawn, posing for photographs as his secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, looked on. Trump said North Korea's human rights record was not discussed at the meeting. Kim Yong Chol once served as a bodyguard to the current leader`s father, Kim Jong Il, and was previously chief of the Reconnaissance General Bureau, a North Korean military intelligence agency. In 2015, then-US&nbspdirector of national intelligence James Clapper described Kim Yong Chol as "the guy who ultimately would have to okay the cyber attack against Sony" in 2014. North Korean hackers allegedly infiltrated Sony`s systems and destroyed computers and laptops, apparently in retaliation for the entertainment company`s comedy movie "The Interview" that parodied North Korea`s leadership. Kim Yong Chol has featured on lists of North Korean officials targeted by US&nbspTreasury sanctions, including for supporting his country`s nuclear and missiles programs and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the cyber attack. He was granted special permission to travel to the United States for meetings this week with US&nbspofficials, the State Department said. He was accused by South Korea of masterminding deadly attacks on a South Korean navy ship and an island in 2010. North Korea denied any involvement in those incidents.

In complete reversal, Trump revives summit with North Korean leader

Events around the Korean peninsula have been moving at a dizzying pace over the last few days, with a summit between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un that was on, then off, then apparently on again.

Here's where we stand with what could be a historic meeting.

A few months ago Kim and Trump were hurling insults and threats of war with each other.

The rhetoric began to cool during the Winter Olympics in South Korea, and by mid-March, the two sides had agreed to a face-to-face.

After some back-and-forth,&nbsp;June 12&nbsp;in Singapore was fixed on, but as May ticked over both sides began casting doubt on the meeting.

The insults started up again, with North Korea calling US Vice President Mike Pence a "dummy", and both sides threatening to walk away.

Trump abruptly pulled the plug last week, only to apparently reverse course&nbsp;24 hours later&nbsp;in the wake of Pyongyang's emollient response.

Some say Trump's sudden willingness to walk rattled Pyongyang, which has since dialled down its rhetoric and expressed a willingness to talk "at any time".

"Trump's unexpected response totally took Kim by surprise and left the North scrambling to find a way to mend things," Cho Sung-ryul, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Strategy, told AFP.&nbsp;

Others say the crisis was primarily averted by Kim and South Korea’s president Moon Jae-in, who made the extraordinary decision to meet in the Panmunjom truce village between the two Koreas.

The State Department says a team of US officials also met with North Koreans in Panmunjom&nbsp;on Sunday.

The Washington Post reported that senior diplomat Sung Kim was leading the US delegation and that the two sides planned to continue talking&nbsp;Monday&nbsp;and&nbsp;Tuesday.

The White House said on the weekend that a separate team of officials was also on its way to Singapore to lay the ground for the meeting.

Few American officials have more experience of dealing with North Koreans than Sung Kim.

The Korean-born diplomat previously served as Washington's ambassador in Seoul and was a special envoy during ultimately fruitless Six-Party Talks in the mid-2000s.

He is currently Washington's envoy to the Philippines but has been called back to his old stomping ground -- Trump has yet to nominate an ambassador to Seoul.

Given the twists and turns, and the mercurial nature of the parties involved, few Korea watchers are prepared to say with any certainty. But most observers are confident the process is back on track -- for now.

In the last 48 hours, Trump has sounded upbeat, saying the&nbsp;June 12&nbsp;meeting will still go ahead, or that it could happen at a later date if more time is needed.

Usually, this kind of summits are planned months, sometimes years in advance.

Now officials have only a fortnight left to finalise thorny protocol details such as where in Singapore the talks will take place and how internationally sanctioned North Korean officials will travel there.

Importantly, they'll also have to decide what exactly the two men are going to talk about.

In a word, denuclearisation.

Both sides say they want it, but there is a yawning gulf between their definitions.

Washington says it wants to see the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation (CVID) of North Korea in return for sanctions and economic relief.

Trump wants to see CVID take place immediately -- although he has recently conceded a phased approach could be discussed.

Moon says Kim is also committed to the "complete" denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

But when asked if that meant the same as CVID, he told reporters that was something for Pyongyang and Washington to discuss.

Analysts believe North Korea will be unwilling to cede its nuclear deterrent unless it is given security guarantees that the US won't try to topple the regime.

That may mean they will look for confidence-building measures such as a reduction in US troops in South Korea or joint military drills.

Kim Sung-han, professor of international relations at Korea University, said Trump will have difficulty accepting any conditions from North Korea, partly because he had been so critical of the Iran nuclear deal.&nbsp;

"If he believes that it would be hard to include CVID or any specific terms to mandate the North to carry out nuclear disarmament quickly, he may cancel the summit again, even days before the event," he said.

After some back-and-forth, June 12 in Singapore was fixed on, but as May ticked over both sides began casting doubt on the meeting

Events around the Korean peninsula have been moving at a dizzying pace over the last few days, with a summit between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un that was on, then off, then apparently on again. Here's where we stand with what could be a historic meeting. A few months ago Kim and Trump were hurling insults and threats of war with each other. The rhetoric began to cool during the Winter Olympics in South Korea, and by mid-March, the two sides had agreed to a face-to-face. After some back-and-forth, June 12 in Singapore was fixed on, but as May ticked over both sides began casting doubt on the meeting. The insults started up again, with North Korea calling US Vice President Mike Pence a "dummy", and both sides threatening to walk away. Trump abruptly pulled the plug last week, only to apparently reverse course 24 hours later in the wake of Pyongyang's emollient response. Some say Trump's sudden willingness to walk rattled Pyongyang, which has since dialled down its rhetoric and expressed a willingness to talk "at any time". "Trump's unexpected response totally took Kim by surprise and left the North scrambling to find a way to mend things," Cho Sung-ryul, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Strategy, told AFP. Others say the crisis was primarily averted by Kim and South Korea’s president Moon Jae-in, who made the extraordinary decision to meet in the Panmunjom truce village between the two Koreas. The State Department says a team of US officials also met with North Koreans in Panmunjom on Sunday. The Washington Post reported that senior diplomat Sung Kim was leading the US delegation and that the two sides planned to continue talking Monday and Tuesday. The White House said on the weekend that a separate team of officials was also on its way to Singapore to lay the ground for the meeting. Few American officials have more experience of dealing with North Koreans than Sung Kim. The Korean-born diplomat previously served as Washington's ambassador in Seoul and was a special envoy during ultimately fruitless Six-Party Talks in the mid-2000s. He is currently Washington's envoy to the Philippines but has been called back to his old stomping ground -- Trump has yet to nominate an ambassador to Seoul. Given the twists and turns, and the mercurial nature of the parties involved, few Korea watchers are prepared to say with any certainty. But most observers are confident the process is back on track -- for now. In the last 48 hours, Trump has sounded upbeat, saying the June 12 meeting will still go ahead, or that it could happen at a later date if more time is needed. Usually, this kind of summits are planned months, sometimes years in advance. Now officials have only a fortnight left to finalise thorny protocol details such as where in Singapore the talks will take place and how internationally sanctioned North Korean officials will travel there. Importantly, they'll also have to decide what exactly the two men are going to talk about. In a word, denuclearisation. Both sides say they want it, but there is a yawning gulf between their definitions. Washington says it wants to see the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation (CVID) of North Korea in return for sanctions and economic relief. Trump wants to see CVID take place immediately -- although he has recently conceded a phased approach could be discussed. Moon says Kim is also committed to the "complete" denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. But when asked if that meant the same as CVID, he told reporters that was something for Pyongyang and Washington to discuss. Analysts believe North Korea will be unwilling to cede its nuclear deterrent unless it is given security guarantees that the US won't try to topple the regime. That may mean they will look for confidence-building measures such as a reduction in US troops in South Korea or joint military drills. Kim Sung-han, professor of international relations at Korea University, said Trump will have difficulty accepting any conditions from North Korea, partly because he had been so critical of the Iran nuclear deal. "If he believes that it would be hard to include CVID or any specific terms to mandate the North to carry out nuclear disarmament quickly, he may cancel the summit again, even days before the event," he said.

Diplomatic duels: What now for the Trump-Kim summit?

Already been playing the role of mediator between the US and North Korea, South Korean president Moon Jae-in could be present in high-drama summit between the US and North Korea in June media reports said.

According to a report by BBC, South Korean officials have said that South Korean president could attend the summit. However, his attendance would depend on the progress of pre-summit talks between the US and North Korean leaders.

Meanwhile, US and North Korean officials met on Sunday at a border truce village to resume the preparations for the first ever face to face summit between US president Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

He had called off the planned summit last week citing "open hostility", from the North.&nbsp

However, On Saturday Kim and Moon Jae-in held talks in a surprise meeting at the Panmunjom border truce village to ensure a successful US-North Korea summit.

On Friday Trump informed that it is back on track and it would take place on an originally scheduled date and place.

Trump's cancellation of the summit blindsided treaty ally South Korea, which had brokered the remarkable detente between Washington and Pyongyang.

President Moon Jae-in had to scramble his national security team when news of Trump's decision first reached Seoul late Thursday evening as he called Washington's U-turn "shocking and very regrettable".

(With inputs from news agencies)

 
&nbsp

However, his attendance would depend on the progress of pre-summit talks between the US and North Korean leaders

Already been playing the role of mediator between the US and North Korea, South Korean president Moon Jae-in could be present in high-drama summit between the US and North Korea in June media reports said. According to a report by BBC, South Korean officials have said that South Korean president could attend the summit. However, his attendance would depend on the progress of pre-summit talks between the US and North Korean leaders. Meanwhile, US and North Korean officials met on Sunday at a border truce village to resume the preparations for the first ever face to face summit between US president Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. He had called off the planned summit last week citing "open hostility", from the North. However, On Saturday Kim and Moon Jae-in held talks in a surprise meeting at the Panmunjom border truce village to ensure a successful US-North Korea summit. On Friday Trump informed that it is back on track and it would take place on an originally scheduled date and place. Trump's cancellation of the summit blindsided treaty ally South Korea, which had brokered the remarkable detente between Washington and Pyongyang. President Moon Jae-in had to scramble his national security team when news of Trump's decision first reached Seoul late Thursday evening as he called Washington's U-turn "shocking and very regrettable". (With inputs from news agencies)

South Korean president Moon Jae-in may attend US-North Korea summit: Report

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-trump-summit-entirely-up-to-us-we-will-not-beg-north-korea-139284">Kim-Trump summit 'entirely' up to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-trump-summit-entirely-up-to-us-we-will-not-beg-north-korea-139284">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-trump-summit-entirely-up-to-us-we-will-not-beg-north-korea-139284">, we will not beg: North Korea</a>

North Korea's vice foreign minister said the future of the summit between Pyongyang and Washington is "entirely" up to the United States and condemned a media interview by US Vice President Mike Pence in which he compared the North to Libya.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-sterlite-protests-police-chief-district-collector-transferred-amid-fresh-clashes-139280">Anti-Sterlite protests: Internet suspended, top cop, DC transferred</a>

Internet services in Tuticorin have been temporarily suspended from 9 pm on Wednesday until further instruction by the administration.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/petrol-diesel-prices-continue-to-soar-hit-new-high-in-last-four-days-139288">Petrol, diesel prices continue to soar, hit another new high</a>

Petrol prices were recorded at Rs 77.47/litre in Delhi on Thursday morning while for Mumbai it stood at Rs 85.29/litre. In Delhi, the price of diesel was registered at Rs 68.53/litre and at Rs 72.96/litre for Mumbai.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-pakistan-violates-ceasefire-fires-automatic-weapons-and-mortars-along-loc-in-baramulla-district-139281">Jammu and Kashmir: Pakistan violates ceasefire along LoC in Baramulla district</a>

According to reports, Pakistan violated ceasefire early Thursday morning along the Line of Control (LOC) in Kamal Koot area of Uri sector in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla District.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/heavy-floods-landslides-in-sri-lanka-at-least-9-killed-139219">Heavy floods, landslides in Sri Lanka at least 9 killed</a>

Heavy monsoon rains in Sri Lanka have killed at least nine people as the monsoon season kicked off in the emerald country. Reports said at least 38,000 people have been affected by the rains and storms which have lashed central and south Sri Lanka.

Kim-Trump summit 'entirely' up to US, we will not beg: North Korea North Korea's vice foreign minister said the future of the summit between Pyongyang and Washington is "entirely" up to the United States and condemned a media interview by US Vice President Mike Pence in which he compared the North to Libya. Anti-Sterlite protests: Internet suspended, top cop, DC transferred Internet services in Tuticorin have been temporarily suspended from 9 pm on Wednesday until further instruction by the administration. Petrol, diesel prices continue to soar, hit another new high Petrol prices were recorded at Rs 77.47/litre in Delhi on Thursday morning while for Mumbai it stood at Rs 85.29/litre. In Delhi, the price of diesel was registered at Rs 68.53/litre and at Rs 72.96/litre for Mumbai. Jammu and Kashmir: Pakistan violates ceasefire along LoC in Baramulla district According to reports, Pakistan violated ceasefire early Thursday morning along the Line of Control (LOC) in Kamal Koot area of Uri sector in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla District. Heavy floods, landslides in Sri Lanka at least 9 killed Heavy monsoon rains in Sri Lanka have killed at least nine people as the monsoon season kicked off in the emerald country. Reports said at least 38,000 people have been affected by the rains and storms which have lashed central and south Sri Lanka.

News brief: Big stories of the day

North Korea's vice foreign minister said the future of the summit between Pyongyang and Washington is "entirely" up to the United States and condemned a media interview by US Vice President Mike Pence in which he compared the North to Libya.

"We will neither beg the US for dialogue nor take the trouble to persuade them if they do not want to sit together with us," said Choe Son Hui, according to a report by North Korea's central news agency on Thursday.

Choe said she could suggest to leader Kim Jong-un that North Korea reconsider the summit, set for June 12 in Singapore, if the United States offends the North's good will.&nbsp

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he would know next week whether his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would take place on June 12 in Singapore as scheduled, casting further doubt on plans for the unprecedented meeting.

White House aides are preparing to travel to Singapore this weekend for a crucial meeting with North Korean officials to discuss the agenda and logistics for the summit, US officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Visiting Washington, Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi told Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that if the United States seeks peace with North Korea and wants to make history, "now is the time" for the two countries' leaders to hold their first-ever summit.

The US delegation, which includes White House Deputy Chief of Staff Joseph Hagin and deputy national security adviser Mira Ricardel, was being dispatched after Trump said on Tuesday there was a "substantial chance" the summit would be called off amid concerns Pyongyang is not prepared to give up its nuclear arsenal.

Asked on Wednesday whether the summit would go ahead, Trump told reporters: "It could very well happen. Whatever it is, we'll know next week about Singapore. And if we go, I think it will be a great thing for North Korea."

But he added: "We'll see."

Trump did not say, however, whether the preparatory talks between US and North Korean officials in coming days were expected to clarify the situation.

Pompeo said on Wednesday the United States is prepared to walk away from nuclear negotiations with North Korea if the summit heads in the wrong direction.

Pompeo said he was "very hopeful" the summit would take place but said the decision was ultimately up to Kim, who the secretary of state has met twice in less than two months.

Trump raised doubts about the summit in talks on Tuesday with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who came to Washington to urge Trump not to let a rare opportunity with reclusive North Korea slip away.

It was unclear whether Trump was truly backing away from the summit or whether he was strategically coaxing North Korea to the table after decades of tension on the Korean peninsula and antagonism with Washington over its nuclear weapons program.

The White House was caught off guard when, in a dramatic change of tone, North Korea last week condemned the latest US-South Korean air combat drills, suspended North-South talks and threatened to scrap the summit if Pyongyang was pushed toward "unilateral nuclear abandonment."

'We will neither beg the US for dialogue nor take the trouble to persuade them if they do not want to sit together with us,' North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister said

North Korea's vice foreign minister said the future of the summit between Pyongyang and Washington is "entirely" up to the United States and condemned a media interview by US Vice President Mike Pence in which he compared the North to Libya. "We will neither beg the US for dialogue nor take the trouble to persuade them if they do not want to sit together with us," said Choe Son Hui, according to a report by North Korea's central news agency on Thursday. Choe said she could suggest to leader Kim Jong-un that North Korea reconsider the summit, set for June 12 in Singapore, if the United States offends the North's good will. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he would know next week whether his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would take place on June 12 in Singapore as scheduled, casting further doubt on plans for the unprecedented meeting. White House aides are preparing to travel to Singapore this weekend for a crucial meeting with North Korean officials to discuss the agenda and logistics for the summit, US officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Visiting Washington, Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi told Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that if the United States seeks peace with North Korea and wants to make history, "now is the time" for the two countries' leaders to hold their first-ever summit. The US delegation, which includes White House Deputy Chief of Staff Joseph Hagin and deputy national security adviser Mira Ricardel, was being dispatched after Trump said on Tuesday there was a "substantial chance" the summit would be called off amid concerns Pyongyang is not prepared to give up its nuclear arsenal. Asked on Wednesday whether the summit would go ahead, Trump told reporters: "It could very well happen. Whatever it is, we'll know next week about Singapore. And if we go, I think it will be a great thing for North Korea." But he added: "We'll see." Trump did not say, however, whether the preparatory talks between US and North Korean officials in coming days were expected to clarify the situation. Pompeo said on Wednesday the United States is prepared to walk away from nuclear negotiations with North Korea if the summit heads in the wrong direction. Pompeo said he was "very hopeful" the summit would take place but said the decision was ultimately up to Kim, who the secretary of state has met twice in less than two months. Trump raised doubts about the summit in talks on Tuesday with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who came to Washington to urge Trump not to let a rare opportunity with reclusive North Korea slip away. It was unclear whether Trump was truly backing away from the summit or whether he was strategically coaxing North Korea to the table after decades of tension on the Korean peninsula and antagonism with Washington over its nuclear weapons program. The White House was caught off guard when, in a dramatic change of tone, North Korea last week condemned the latest US-South Korean air combat drills, suspended North-South talks and threatened to scrap the summit if Pyongyang was pushed toward "unilateral nuclear abandonment."

Kim-Trump summit 'entirely' up to US, we will not beg: North Korea

The White House is "still hopeful" the summit between North Korea's Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump will proceed despite Pyongyang's threat to cancel it, spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Wednesday.

"We're still hopeful that the meeting will take place and we'll continue down that path," Sanders told Fox News. "At the same time ... we've been prepared that these might be tough negotiations."

"The president is ready if the meeting takes place. And if it doesn't, we will continue the maximum pressure campaign that has been ongoing."

The North warned it may back out of the high-level summit -- set for June 12 in Singapore -- if the United States pressures it to relinquish its nuclear arsenal.

"If the US is trying to drive us into a corner to force our unilateral nuclear abandonment, we will no longer be interested in such dialogue," first vice foreign minister Kim Kye Gwan said in a statement carried by state media.

China, North Korea's sole major ally, voiced "hope" the meeting would still go ahead.

In recent weeks Kim has twice met Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pyongyang has announced it will destroy its nuclear testing site next week.

In addition to brandishing threats over the slated meeting with Trump, North Korea cancelled high-level talks due Wednesday with Seoul over the Max Thunder joint military exercises being held between the US and South Korea, denouncing the drills as a "rude and wicked provocation."

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China, North Korea's sole major ally, voiced "hope" the meeting would still go ahead

The White House is "still hopeful" the summit between North Korea's Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump will proceed despite Pyongyang's threat to cancel it, spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Wednesday. "We're still hopeful that the meeting will take place and we'll continue down that path," Sanders told Fox News. "At the same time ... we've been prepared that these might be tough negotiations." "The president is ready if the meeting takes place. And if it doesn't, we will continue the maximum pressure campaign that has been ongoing." The North warned it may back out of the high-level summit -- set for June 12 in Singapore -- if the United States pressures it to relinquish its nuclear arsenal. "If the US is trying to drive us into a corner to force our unilateral nuclear abandonment, we will no longer be interested in such dialogue," first vice foreign minister Kim Kye Gwan said in a statement carried by state media. China, North Korea's sole major ally, voiced "hope" the meeting would still go ahead. In recent weeks Kim has twice met Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pyongyang has announced it will destroy its nuclear testing site next week. In addition to brandishing threats over the slated meeting with Trump, North Korea cancelled high-level talks due Wednesday with Seoul over the Max Thunder joint military exercises being held between the US and South Korea, denouncing the drills as a "rude and wicked provocation."

White House says 'still hopeful' Kim-Trump summit will happen

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