Why North Korean nukes are still on the table

Students taking part in a mass dance marking the anniversary of the end of fighting in the Korean War, on Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang last month. Officials in Seoul are focused on securing a formal end to the war.
Students taking part in a mass dance marking the anniversary of the end of fighting in the Korean War, on Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang last month. Officials in Seoul are focused on securing a formal end to the war. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
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After a flurry of diplomatic action a little earlier this year, the issue of North Korea and its nuclear weapons was largely relegated to the background in recent weeks. But that isn't likely to last much longer.

On Monday, the two Koreas announced that their leaders, Mr Kim Jong Un and Mr Moon Jae-in, will meet next month. It will be the third meeting between the two men, and it should come amid a busy month of diplomatic events.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 16, 2018, with the headline Why North Korean nukes are still on the table. Subscribe