Global geopolitical Series: U.S. to test Kim’s resolve for negotiations with military drills in Korean Peninsula

President Trump seems to be planning to test North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong-Un’s resolve for a negotiation and face to face meeting by conducting a large-scale military drill with its regional partner South Korea in the Korean Peninsula.

Defense officials in Seoul on Tuesday confirmed that the two allies would restart the Foal Eagle and Key Resolve drills, which had been postponed through last month while South Korea hosted the Winter Olympic Games. These exercises attracted Pyongyang’s fury in the past which responded with ballistic missile and nuclear weapon testing.

While this is a regular exercise, a careful look at the statement below suggests that it is also aimed at testing North Korea, which makes it kind of necessary before peace talks between Trump and Kim.

“Good evening. Today, I had the privilege of briefing President Trump on my recent visit to Pyongyang, North Korea. I'd like to thank President Trump, the vice president, and his wonderful national security team, including my close friend, Gen. McMaster.

I explained to President Trump that his leadership and his maximum pressure policy, together with international solidarity, brought us to this juncture. I expressed President Moon Jae-in's personal gratitude for President Trump's leadership.

I told President Trump that, in our meeting, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said he is committed to denuclearization. Kim pledged that North Korea will refrain from any further nuclear or missile tests. He understands that the routine joint military exercises between the Republic of Korea and the United States must continue. And he expressed his eagerness to meet President Trump as soon as possible.

President Trump appreciated the briefing and said he would meet Kim Jong Un by May to achieve permanent denuclearization.

The Republic of Korea, along with the United States, Japan and our many partners around the world remain fully and resolutely committed to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Along with President Trump, we are optimistic about continuing a diplomatic process to test the possibility of a peaceful resolution.

The Republic of Korea, the United States, and our partners stand together in insisting that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past and that the pressure will continue until North Korea matches its words with concrete actions.

Thank you."

This statement was from South Korean envoy, which first announced Trump-Kim meeting. Take a look at the third paragraph which says that North Korea understands that the routine joint military exercises between the Republic of Korea and the United States must continue.