As South Korea extends its engagement with North Korea, there appears to be a widening rift between Washington and Seoul over how to achieve North Korea’s denuclearization.
South Korea is pushing a series of economic undertakings with North Korea with the goal of improving inter-Korean relations, according to analysts, while Washington is stressing the need for continuing the maximum pressure campaign of international sanctions on Pyongyang.
In a lively televised speech anniversary of the Korean liberation from 35 years of Japanese occupation, South Korean President Moon Jae-in called the nation’s attention to the government’s plans to improve relations with the North through reconciliation and economic projects.
Moon stressed that the revenue from inter-Korean economic cooperation is "estimated to reach 70 trillion won at a minimum over the next 30 years," citing research by a state-run organization. The amount is equivalent to approximately $62.4 billion.
However, the U.S. remains cautious, and in response to the upcoming summit, the State Department said the progress of inter-Korean developments should be tied to denuclearization.
Washington also stressed the need for maintaining the maximum pressure on North Korea through international sanctions.
韩国加强与朝鲜接触之际，美国和韩国在如何实现朝鲜半岛非核化的问题上看来出现越来越大的分歧。
一些分析人士认为， 韩国推动与朝鲜的一系列经济活动，目的是缓和半岛南北关系，而美国强调必须继续保持对朝鲜的国际制裁的最大严厉。
韩国总统文在寅在纪念朝鲜摆脱日本35年的占领73周年的实况转播电视讲话中呼吁韩国各界关注韩国政府通过和解及经济项目改善与朝鲜关系的计划。
文在寅援引韩国一家官方机构的研究结果强调，朝鲜半岛南北经济合作预计在今后30年带来至少624亿美元的价值。
不过，美国仍然持谨慎立场。美国国务院说，韩朝关系的改善应该与半岛非核化挂钩。
美国认为，必须通过国际制裁维持对朝鲜的最大压力。