"China pushes 6-party N. Korea talks; Says Kim agrees to take part in nuclear discussion" by Chico Harlan, Washington Post | September 1, 2010
TOKYO — China is in the midst of a sales-pitch. It is pushing for the resumption of six-party talks, the process concocted seven years ago to end a North Korean nuclear program that has not yet ended.
Yeah, I read that North Korea wanted to start talking, too!!
This time, China says North Korean leader Kim Jong Il is onboard. And in recent days, China has sent its nuclear envoy to South Korea and Japan, touting the six-party idea to Washington’s closest Asian allies.
According to officials in Washington, Seoul, and Tokyo, China has emerged as the driving force — and perhaps the only force — pushing for the resumption of six-party talks, which Beijing sees as the best way to maintain security and status quo on the Korean peninsula....
Although there is no agreement in Washington about the best way to proceed, analysts and specialists on US policy describe an overall cynicism about the usefulness of six-party talks, deriding them as a playground for Kim to make promises he subsequently ignores.
First we insist he return to the talks and now we are saying not good enough?
Related: Sickening Sunday: Keeping Korea Apart
As for ignoring agreements, that is why the North dropped out in the first place!
I'm tired of the distortions and lies, aren't you?
With the United States having announced new sanctions against North Korea Monday, many analysts and officials now envision an upcoming period of strategic patience, where the United States consults closely with Seoul and possibly explores a new framework for dealing with Pyongyang — an alternative to six-party talks — over the next months.
Translation: the Third World War has been postponed until after the American elections.
That's why we keep war-gaming out there.
China attempted to build momentum for talks this week, as Kim traveled by armored train through its northeastern countryside.
Related: Carter Couldn't Communicate With Kim
Yeah, that is why he couldn't meet with him.
Analysts and North Korea watchers believe that Kim’s trip held several purposes, both pragmatic and symbolic. He sought economic aid from China, Pyongyang’s chief benefactor. He wanted to build support for an upcoming power transfer to his son.
See: Kim Checks With China on Son's Succession
Just as important, in visiting two Chinese landmarks associated with his father, he wanted to reinforce the Kim family narrative — the sacrosanct underpinning of his reclusive nation.
As if Kim is holding all the cards. It's the other way around, MSM!
But following Kim’s return to Pyongyang, China emphasized North Korea’s appetite for six-party talks....
Notable to US officials, however, was the rhetoric from North Korea: The state-run Korean Central News Agency made note of Kim’s trip, but made no mention of six-party talks or disarmament.
“It’s just stretching incredulity to think that six-party talks are some panacea where the region’s problems disappear,’’ said Patrick Cronin, senior director at the Asia-
“This is the same Kim Jong Il who said, months ago, that six-party talks are dead. And now what are we to believe? That Kim Jong Il is very serious this time?’’
Am I supposed to take the U.S. serious?
Among North Korean specialists, South Korea is viewed as the six-party nation most reluctant about reengagement.
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Yeah, the old man is not looking too good.
