N Korea calls summit a success as Trump halts war games

VERDICT: winners -- North Korea and China; losers -- USA.

Wishful thinking.

mukashiyokattaToday  01:10 am JST

VERDICT: winners -- North Korea and China; losers -- USA.

Agree 100%. Trunp sold out the United States and all it's allies in the region for nothing in return. Hail to the Moron.

So we should go after countries that have trade imbalances.

I already gave you an answer and that’s what I meant.

It's a win win situation. The US stops the pointless drills and save money. NK gets to brag about it. And if Trump and Kim change their minds which they probably will, they tear up the agreement and start throwing threats again. There is nothing to lose. NK can't get the nukes to work anyways.

VERDICT: winners -- North Korea and China; losers -- USA.

bass: Yes, I agree. So tell me why is it that Canada and Europe can dump all their things in America virtually for free, but we have to pay huge tariffs on their goods? There is no reasonable or logical explanation for it.

So we should go after countries that have trade imbalances.

Also, he should try to get as close as possible to countries like Russia or China that have nuclear aresenals and can on a dime go rouge.

So we should ignore trade imbalances from stronger countries.

I couldn't have described the Trump Doctrine better myself. Bully smaller countries, bend over for stronger ones.

Northern: "@Serrano oh so Trump has put a stop to NK nuke program that is news"

No one said that. He has started the process, something Obama, W and Billy Boy couldn't do.

Next he will continue to go after Canada and ignore the trade deficit with Russia. He attacks smaller countries, appeases stronger ones.

Yes, I agree. So tell me why is it that Canada and Europe can dump all their things in America virtually for free, but we have to pay huge tariffs on their goods? There is no reasonable or logical explanation for it. Also, he should try to get as close as possible to countries like Russia or China that have nuclear aresenals and can on a dime go rouge.

The world has changed and Japan needs a different kind of leaders, now.

With that in mind, it's with little wonder that the Abe Government wishes to renounce the pacifist constitution and be more independent to go it alone (as they may soon be).

No more war games with the S. Koreans, due to Costs.... now if China objects to the War Games with the JSDF as an act of provocation, will he pull US Armed forces out of Japan - that, would truly be a game changer within the region.

US troops must leave south Korea, they were unwelcomed and causing much pain of seperation to both Korean people! Very few south Koreans want US troops stays. They kicked out troubles and US role of supporting the military regieme for 40 years!

Bass, I said I was worried before the event that Trump would give concessions with nothing in return, and that’s exactly what happened. It’s a pattern he has with strong countries and it continued here.

Next he will continue to go after Canada and ignore the trade deficit with Russia. He attacks smaller countries, appeases stronger ones.

@zichi

DJT

I got that after we signed the agreement. I said do me a favor. You have this missile engine testing site. We know where it is because of the heat. It is incredible the equipment we have to be honest with you. I said can you close it up. He’s going to close it up. We maintain the ability to continue sanctions. We are applying sanctions. I had 300 sanctions I was getting ready to put on last week. I cannot put on sanctions when I had a meeting coming up. 300 big and powerful ones. 

Jennifer, when you look at all of the things we got and when we got our hostages back, I did not pay $1.8 billion in cash like the hostages that came back from Iran which was a disgraceful situation. We have a lot. When I hear somebody in the media say that president trump has agreed to meet like it’s not a big deal to me. I think we should meet on a lot of topics, not just this one. I believe a lot of great things can happen.

SuperLib: "Pretty much sums it up"

Tell us, Super, how would you sum up the efforts of Billy Boy Clinton, W, and Obama to stop NK's nuke program? Can't wait...

“North Korean state media on Wednesday lauded the summit and the prospect of a new era of peace and prosperity”

You see! This is what we all want right? -Peace. So those on the Left whining & moaning about success of the Singapore Summit can just go pound sand.

While talking to an adversary is better than not, it seems that the entire thing was rushed, poorly planned, and an empty publicity stunt/photo op that ded Kim far more good than he deserves.

Pretty much sums it up.

To be fair, it was a complete success - for North Korea.

Actually, they did not. They did not get the removal of any troops, he did not get relief from any sanctions whatsoever and will not get any relief from the sanctions as long as they don’t completely and totally denuclearize and a follow up verification of it.

They got everything they wanted and their dictator-for-life got the prestige of getting to stand as an equal to the leader of the former most powerful democracy on Earth,

That’s about it, nothing more. Now if Kim wants to renege on his word and go back, there is always the Libyan option. That’s probably another reason why Trump made sure John Bolton was right next to him, didn’t make sure that the North Koreans understood this.

and all they had to do to get it was make the same vague, unverifiable promise they've made countless times in the past.

That would be to their detriment if they did that and I think Kim is aware that this time, he’s not dealing with an appeasement apologist. He’s dealing with a stubborn unapologetic and determined DJT.

"To be fair, it was a complete success - for North Korea. They got everything they wanted and their dictator-for-life got the prestige of getting to stand as an equal..."

Um, all we are saaaaaaying, is give peace a chaaaaaaaaance! No good? sigh...

Pride, bitterness, refusal to give peace a chance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjXTbkK7GXY&t=5s

To be fair, it was a complete success - for North Korea. They got everything they wanted and their dictator-for-life got the prestige of getting to stand as an equal to the leader of the former most powerful democracy on Earth, and all they had to do to get it was make the same vague, unverifiable promise they've made countless times in the past.

I've heard Maher speak about hoping for a resolution, but he also pointed out how the GoP called Obama a traitor, communist and worse for suggesting the same thing Trump did. Now,

But there is a huge difference, the Obama administration tried to be sneaky about it, bypassed Congress, trying to secretly waiver sanctions in order for Iran to get its money.

Trump is compared to Jesus for the work done primarily by SK's president. Please, the grandstanding is sickening. Trump did good, but he's still an oaf, an idiot a racist, and a panderer. 

OK, that’s how you feel about him, but there are millions of people to disagree. My personal opinion is, I feel the same way the Democrats......actually, worse.

Hypocrisy is alive and well, but don't point it out, because it is fake news or a lefty conspiracy.

So now I am supposed to shut up because the left don’t like it? I say thee nay!

you know what Obama was going to do so you also know what was on Trumps agreement?

Not appeasement or capitulation.

Call it a victory and then later on we would have nothing..Well Trumps got nothing and calling it a victory isnt he?

It kinda was, No war, No rhetoric, he promised not to do anymore nuclear testing and you promised not to continue anymore war games. That’s the first step, and many more to come. Remember, Rome was not built in a day. It was a victory in a sense that he achieved something that last presidents did not, and he did that without giving anything away but getting something, a meeting and right now, at the very least, a hold off of nuclear activity, that’s a huge win. 2nd term on the horizon.

@kaeri I think we should thank Dennis Rodman.

Dennis Rodman for the Nobel! I'm sure most Trump supporters, especially those who've long said the prize is a joke, would agree that if it is in fact a joke that a clown like Rodman should get it.

"The new 'global' order is being set. Trump is setting the stages for Xi and Putin."

@serrano Or maybe he's setting the stage for Moon and Abe?

I think it's become clear that Trump cares jack nada about the US as a country. He's got legislation passed reducing his taxes (BTW, why hasn't he shown them?), now all he cares about is paying off his debts to international 'financiers' and expanding his hotel/resort empire. His brand name is huuuuge in East Asia. Think of all the publicity the media's been giving him - for free!

Maybe he can build some more casinos and this time not bankrupt them.

stormcrow: "Trump is such a buffoon."

Kim Jong Un is probably in Pyongyang laughing his head off right now about how he had Trump eating out of the palm of his hand.

Cripes, not even CNN is saying that, hehe

"The new 'global' order is being set. Trump is setting the stages for Xi and Putin."

Or maybe he's setting the stage for Moon and Abe? Or should he just let the U.S. continue to project military power in Asia indefinitely?

cracaphat: "A photo op success with a lot of goodwill being gushed around,especially by trump.But why does my cynical nature feel they'll be back calling each other names real soon,with trigger happy stubby fingers talkin' ready to push buttons?"

Give peace a chance, cracaphat? Oh my...

Pride, bitterness, refusal to give peace a chance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjXTbkK7GXY

Trump is such a buffoon.

Kim Jong Un is probably in Pyongyang laughing his head off right now about how he had Trump eating out of the palm of his hand.

But he didn’t, if anything, the left is trying to blow it, that nut job DeNiro and Maher would rather see all this fail than to give an inch to Trump, these guys are pathetic.

More fake indignation and false attribution. No one wants to see peace with NK fail.

I've heard Maher speak about hoping for a resolution, but he also pointed out how the GoP called Obama a traitor, communist and worse for suggesting the same thing Trump did. Now, Trump is compared to Jesus for the work done primarily by SK's president. Please, the grandstanding is sickening. Trump did good, but he's still an oaf, an idiot a racist, and a panderer.

Hypocrisy is alive and well, but don't point it out, because it is fake news or a lefty conspiracy.

Otherworldly, I completely agree.

i wonder how Moon Jae-in really feels about tRump having hijacked the bilateral talks between South & North Korea to create a spectale for himself. publicly he's heaping praises on Mango the Hut but, i bet he didn't see the concessions without the DPRK giving up anything in return coming. tossed aside at your own party for a loudmouth braggart  who over-promises and (consistently) under-delivers.

I think we should thank Dennis Rodman.

I think that anything that results in less militaristic posturing is a good thing.

I think that some people will deride whatever The Donald does.

I don't think he has any need to consult with "his allies" for whose defence the US has been paying for years with little or no gratitude in return.

and I love the outbreak of party political slanging that this occasion has as usual prompted.

Especially here on JT.

Its so funny to watch Trumplets praise their leader on this..when Obama offered to meet Kim they flipped out..someone mention nuts jobs...

Pass with most Democrats, he probably would’ve tried to give him buckets of money, call it a victory and then later on we would have nothing, that’s the typical play book case in point, Crimea, they let it happen. These people can’t criticize anyone on being hosed, the appeasement crowd.

You have to give Kim credit, he knows an idiot when he sees one. 

That goes both ways?

And he takes advantage of the situation.

Again, goes both ways.

Not buying what these two are selling.

We shall see. But at least he didn’t give him bucket loads of cash to make a crappy deal.

You have to give Kim credit, he knows an idiot when he sees one. And he takes advantage of the situation.

Not buying what these two are selling.

Everyone has been hoping that this will work out, but to be pragmatic as you should when dealing with NK, we have seen all of this before. Trump could only blow it, as he has blown a number of deals recently even with friendly nations.

But he didn’t, if anything, the left is trying to blow it, that nut job DeNiro and Maher would rather see all this fail than to give an inch to Trump, these guys are pathetic.

Kim is a wild card in this situation. He is young and has some experience with a life outside of NK.

As does Trump and add to that, Trump has traveled the world and has done business around the world, something that Kim knows nothing about.

He could make this work. However, I have my doubts that NK, and China for that matter, is willing to give up their war machine or seek unification with SK. The whole country is held together by being in a perpetual state of war.

But opening up NK for investments would be a monumental step forward. Kim could transform his country from a giant prison camp to a Communist nation where people could actually buy food instead of eating anything they can find, have real entertainment and some form of human normalcy.

That is a difficult place to come back from. It can be done without a war,

You don’t know that. Kim is better educated than his father and grandfather and is more methodical and pragmatic, he definitely could have a deeper insight to seeing what a free market and building a functioning infrastructure can do.

but it will be difficult. Kim has to want it, and he must maintain the power to make it happen. As I have said before, Kim is in the driver's seat, assuming the deep state of China doesn't like what is going on.

I don’t think they can stop Kim. The man wants to break out now, I think so and if China tries to block him, there’s always SK and the US.

Funny, progressives have a strong reflex to the negative.

I think that is a purposeful generalization.

Everyone has been hoping that this will work out, but to be pragmatic as you should when dealing with NK, we have seen all of this before. Trump could only blow it, as he has blown a number of deals recently even with friendly nations.

Kim is a wild card in this situation. He is young and has some experience with a life outside of NK. He could make this work. However, I have my doubts that NK, and China for that matter, is willing to give up their war machine or seek unification with SK. The whole country is held together by being in a perpetual state of war. That is a difficult place to come back from. It can be done without a war, but it will be difficult. Kim has to want it, and he must maintain the power to make it happen. As I have said before, Kim is in the driver's seat, assuming the deep state of China doesn't like what is going on.

It does look like Trump's conceding the region to China and Russia. After all, Korea and Japan are in their respective spheres of influence.

The new 'global' order is being set. Trump is setting the stages for Xi and Putin.

If that did happen, it would be interesting to see how Japan and South Korea react. Australia and N.Z would also be very nervous about that prospect. The whole of Asia would be nervous about that prospect tbh. It suits them to have both powers present.

I think its fair to say the days of blind trust in the U.S among allies is over, regardless of what the U.S does going forward, positive or negative. I am, broadly speaking, pro U.S, but Trump has exposed the truth that there is just not enough stability in U.S leadership. Its too easy for a President to change course at any time with no real oversight from a proper parliament. Congress is ineffectual. He probably has too much power, but that's one of the upsides and downsides of a President versus a Prime Minister.

There is nothing to stop South Korea, Australia or N.Z as far as I am aware from going nuclear, legality wise. I think South Korea and Australia would be the first to pursue it.

Under CANZUK of course all the countries involved would follow the same foreign policy and defense contacts would get tighter than ever. The U.K has trident. That would be the logical path for Australia to follow in order to acquire a nuclear deterrent at a time when the U.K really needs the money. Trident missiles have a range of 12,000 kms which is enough. Could the U.K offer trident to South Korea/Japan?

I guess we have to wait and see how all this plays out.

One thing does seem reasonably certain in that in terms of South Korea, there will be some level of troop withdrawal at some point as Trump has stated he promised during campaigning.

To what extent that occurs and what capabilities are lost, time would tell, but if I was South Korea I would be making preparations and investigating that. In fairness, we could be talking years for all this to play out.

The longer the better I reckon.

How nice of Trump to have consulted his 'allies' Japan and South Korea, as well as his own military generals and strategists, before making the decision to halt all war games scenarios in that region.

Oh, wait...

Funny, progressives have a strong reflex to the negative. Makes me sick to read some of the comments on Japan Today. How about just sitting back during the first inning and be amazed at how 6 months ago WWW 3 was a distinct possibility, and now there is a framework for peace and denuclearization.

highlighting concessions by the U.S. president and the prospect of a new era of peace and prosperity on the Korean peninsula.

Glad to see Trump ramping down US military presence anywhere in the world.

I'm curious how the dozens of thousands of active military members and military related contract employees plus others who have jobs to support them here in Japan and Korea view this.

If there's less need for them in this area, I have to think some will be made redundant. Any reduction in US military spending is a positive.

It does look like Trump's conceding the region to China and Russia. After all, Korea and Japan are in their respective spheres of influence.

The new 'global' order is being set. Trump is setting the stages for Xi and Putin.