As South Korea extends its engagement with North Korea, there appears to be a widening rift between Washington and Seoul over how to achieve North Korea’s denuclearization.

South Korea is pushing a series of economic undertakings with North Korea with the goal of improving inter-Korean relations, according to analysts, while Washington is stressing the need for continuing the maximum pressure campaign of international sanctions on Pyongyang.

In a lively televised speech anniversary of the Korean liberation from 35 years of Japanese occupation, South Korean President Moon Jae-in called the nation’s attention to the government’s plans to improve relations with the North through reconciliation and economic projects.

Moon stressed that the revenue from inter-Korean economic cooperation is "estimated to reach 70 trillion won at a minimum over the next 30 years," citing research by a state-run organization. The amount is equivalent to approximately $62.4 billion.

However, the U.S. remains cautious, and in response to the upcoming summit, the State Department said the progress of inter-Korean developments should be tied to denuclearization.

Washington also stressed the need for maintaining the maximum pressure on North Korea through international sanctions.
 1/2    1 2 下一页 尾页