North Korea in 2018: Nuclear Charm Offensives
Abstract
The year 2018 saw a reduction in tensions on the Korean Peninsula and one of active diplomacy and summitry, including a historic meeting between North Korean President Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump. However, the momentum had stalled due to different interpretations of the denuclearisation pledge and divergent priorities between the two countries. China remains a key player as Pyongyang and Washington contest over the substance and processes of difficult negotiations ahead.