Vice President Pence Claims US and Allies Will Remain United Despite Inter-Korea Talks
Courtesy of Creative Commons
By Camille Lalancette 2/12/2018
Vice President Mike Pence affirmed, last Saturday, that there was “no daylight” between the United States, Japan and South Korea’s attitude towards North Korea. The report came after South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Mr. Pence took opposite approaches when greeting the North Korean delegation.
The Vice president met with President Moon during his trip to South Korea. Mr. Pence claimed that the two leaders “spoke as friends” and added that he was “encouraged” by his talks with the South Korean leader.
Mr. Pence said, “I leave here very confident that we are going to continue to do the things we have to be done to continue to pressure North Korea to abandon their nuclear ambitions.”
Courtesy of Creative Commons
Yet Vice President Pence and President Moon adopted different approaches towards Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Un’s sister. While Moon shook hands with Jong at Friday’s Opening ceremony, Vice President Pence did not choose to acknowledge the North Korean delegation.
The South Korean president has expressed his support for opening discussions with North Korea, however, the sentiment has not been reciprocated by the White House. Reports from a senior administration official did also reveal that Moon expected a potential interaction between the Vice President and Kim Jong Un.
Still, the official implied that Mr. Pence believed the alliance between the United States, South Korea, and Japan would remain strong even amid talks between North and South Korea.