Posted January. 13, 2018 07:55,
Updated January. 13, 2018 08:09
“I probably have a very good relationship with Kim Jong Un. I have relationships with people. I think you people are surprised,” U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday (local time), leaving the door open for improving relations with the North Korean leader.
President Trump described himself as having good relations with the young dictator of the reclusive nation in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. But asked by WSJ reporters if that meant he has directly spoken with Kim, he replied, “I don’t want to comment on it. I’m not saying I have or haven’t. I just don’t want to comment.”
President Trump suggested his combative tweets are part of a broader strategy according to the WSJ. “You’ll see that a lot with me,” he said, “And then all of the sudden somebody’s my best friend. I’m a very flexible person.” Trump hinted at possible friendship even with the North Korean leader, whom he has taken to calling “Rocket Man” or “short and fat.” The newspaper interpreted that Trump has expressed an openness to diplomatic breakthrough after months of heightened tensions triggered by Pyongyang’s nuclear tests. Washington has not officially engaged in direct talks with North Korea since the six-party talks stalled in 2009.
“They can do more,” Trump said during his interview, calling on China to play a bigger role while praising Beijing’s effort for pressuring North Korea to give up its nuclear arsenal. Asked if the North Korean leader intended to “drive a wedge” between Seoul and Washington by opening the talks with South Korea, Trump said out loud. “I will let you know in – within the next 12 months.”