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Two "crucial tests" in a week, warnings that Washington should prepare for the "Christmas gift" Pyongyang sends if talks fail- it seems that we are back to the familiar territory where Pyongyang and Washington exchange threats and tart remarks.   

But according to Yang Xiyu, senior fellow of China Institute of International Studies, the latest moves by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) are not intended to deteriorate DPRK-U.S. relations. Instead, it is trying to "force" Washington to go back to the negotiation table and reopen talks.  

If there is at least one thing they are on the same page, it is that both of them would not like to see talks negotiations broken down and work towards a possible denuclearization deal. Little progress has been made on this issue despite three meetings between Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump since last year.  

During his visit to the Republic of Korea, U.S. special envoy for the DPRK, Stephen Biegun have also expressed America's willingness to discuss "all issues of interest" with the DPRK.   

The critical difference between two parties, as pointed out by Yang, lies in the approach of the negotiation.  The DRPK has made it clear many times that the U.S. should propose a new plan of a possible denuclearization deal before the dialogue.  

However, the U.S., already had a draft in hand, is reluctant to show its strongest hand before the game even begins. Otherwise, the DPRK would win the initiative in the negotiation, and it would mean the U.S. is surrendering to DPRK's threats, which would be strongly objected by the hawks in the White House.  

So there comes the dilemma. Although both sides are willing to get the job done, Washington wants to propose the "new plan" during the talks rather than before. With the year-end deadline set by the DPRK is approaching and U.S. not making any concessions, it seems that Pyongyang is tired of waiting. Trump has established good personal relations with Kim, so at least there is no hostility at the highest level. With the 2020 elections approaching, a possible new leader would bring new uncertainties. The location for the "important test" is the Sohae satellite launch site, which Kim has promised to dismantle at the Singapore summit. This might also be DPRK's method to issue a public warning to the U.S. 

But again, that should be regarded as efforts to make some breakthroughs as talks have stalled for a long time. The impetus is always there as long as the DPRK wants to lift sanctions to develop the economy, and if Trump wants to end the 70-year-long conflicts and leave the significant diplomacy legacy.   

What used to drive the two side apart is the approach towards denuclearization: that the U.S. insisted on total denuclearization first while the DPRK made it clear that it would only accept a step-by-step and reciprocal deal. But with the most hawkish character John Bolton leaving the White House, Washington is also softening its tone. U.S. special envoy for the DPRK has always been a supporter of a step-by-step deal; last week, U.S. envoy to the United Nations Kelly Craft has also stated that Washington is "prepared to be flexible in how we approach this matter." But there have been no details to reveal just how "flexible" the U.S. is prepared to be.  

As Yang explains, their differences in negotiations are tactic rather than strategic. In other words, engagement and peaceful approach to denuclearization is the consensus. But both sides understand compromise at first is not the way to win a negotiation game.   

Is there a way to break the deadlock? The next two weeks may prove to be crucial in setting the tone for future talks. According to the Korean Central News Agency, the DPRK will hold new sessions to "discuss and decide on crucial issues" that relate to the DPRK's development. "I wouldn't be too pessimistic. The commitment to push the dialogue is still there," added Yang.   

Written by Zhao Yuanzhen  

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