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Everyone wins if peace prevails on the Korean Peninsula

US President Donald Trump's 'impulsive' decision to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may have caught his supporters and critics by surprise, but credit must go to South Korea for opening communication channels with the North. It is a historic development that is teeming with possibilities, and also risks. No US president has gone this far, and Trump didn't wait to tweet about this achievement. Denuclearization might be a long shot for now, but diplomatic efforts should concentrate on keeping communication channels open. The Trump administration did well by dramatically stepping up sanctions against Pyongyang, and forced China to adopt tougher measures. Sanctions meant China had to ban iron, lead and coal imports from North Korea. Chinese-North Korean joint venture companies also faced the heat. These measures took a toll on the North Korean economy, and forced it to try sport diplomacy through the Winter Olympics and now by reaching out for direct talks with the US. The hermit kingdom is economically in the dumps, but it is a nuclear power that is seeking recognition, and an economic lifeline. Kim could be looking at ways to end his country's isolation and building bridges with the South to pave the way for a wider engagement with the world.
Kim appears to have won, say the pundits, and Trump rushing in to talks with Pyongyang without enough preparation could be a recipe for diplomatic disaster. But the unpredictable nature of this administration could also be its strength. If Kim appears to be on top, so does Trump. However, what worries pundits is whether Trump would give the game away at the table. Too many concessions would work for Kim, but it is too early to call Trump stupid. He will push for denuclearisation without a doubt. What he needs to do is to take his team and, more importantly, South Korea with him for real progress. For the moment, Trump has scored with his instincts. Kim has shown maturity by reaching out, and South Korea has shown patience for peace with its nuclear neighbour. Everyone is set to win in this scenario. As for the sceptics who once warned of nuclear doomsday, no one believes them. They can eat humble pie, or kimchi.