In am exclusive interview with CNN at the DMZ , United states Vice President Mike Pence said Pyongyang should understand that the Trump administration’s approach toward the regime will be different than that of past US presidents. The interview was granted with North Korean soldiers standing less than 100 feet behind him at the Korean Demilitarized Zone.
“We’re going to abandon the failed policy of strategic patience. But we’re going to redouble our efforts to bring diplomatic and economic pressure to bear on North Korea. Our hope is that we can resolve this issue peaceably,” Pence said in an exclusive interview at the DMZ.
What is the DMZ?
The demilitarized zone (DMZ) is a heavily-fortified buffer, four kilometers (2.5 miles) wide and 250 kilometers (160 miles) long, that separates North and South Korea.It was established by the armistice agreement that ended the Korean War in 1953, though both sides technically remain at conflict as no peace treaty has ever been signed.
To achieve this new strategy, the administration is relying heavily on China, a country President Donald Trump spent his entire campaign bashing heavily, but has stopped when it became clear China’s help would be invaluable while dealing with North Korea. “I know the President was heartened by his discussions with President Xi (Jinping). We’ve seen China begin to take some actions to bring pressure on North Korea but there needs to be more,” Pence said.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said in a daily briefing Monday that the onus was on all parties — including the US and China — to reach a peaceful solution.
“Resolving this issue requires all relevant parties, especially parties that bear major responsibility and play a key role in this issue, to work in the same direction and make a joint effort,” he said.
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