Interview with Randall G. Schriver: The future of U.S.-North Korea dialogue under Trump

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus, I'm Kim Mok-yeon.

Today, February 28 marks the sixth anniversary of the Hanoi Summit, a pivotal moment in U.S.-North Korea diplomacy, which, however, ended without an agreement.

Since Hanoi, North Korea has expanded its nuclear and missile capabilities while strengthening ties with China and Russia.

With President Trump back in office, questions have risen about the potential resumption of negotiations, and any shift in U.S. policy toward Pyongyang.

Trump's return has renewed debate over his new approach, on whether he would pursue diplomacy or a harder stance.

For a closer analysis of the issue, we connect to Randall G. Schriver, chairman of The Project 2049 Institute, who was the former U.S. assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs during the Hanoi Summit. Welcome to the program Mr. Schriver.

1. So,today marks the sixth anniversary of the Hanoi Summit between the U.S. and North Korea.

As the former assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, you played a key role in U.S.-North Korea negotiations at the time.

How do you look back on that period? What are your reflections?

2. With President Trump back in office, there is growing speculation about whether the U.S.-North Korea dialogue, which stalled in Hanoi, could resume.

How has Trump's perception of North Korea evolved since the previous negotiations? I also want to ask, how has North Korea's strategic position changed over the past six years?

3. Now with the new administration in the U.S., many experts initially expected the North Korea issue to be a lower priority for President Trump.

However, he's been expressing a strong willingness to reengage in diplomacy with North Korea. What do you believe is driving Trump's renewed interest in the North Korea issue?

5. Now given the changed geopolitical landscape, what conditions do you believe must be met for U.S.-North Korea talks to resume? Do you anticipate a return to the top-down approach, as seen in past negotiations?

6. Meanwhile, President Trump has initiated negotiations with Russia to end the war in Ukraine. How do you think this diplomatic engagement with Russia and efforts to improve U.S.-Russia relations might influence the prospects for U.S.-North Korea talks?

7. As for Korea's perspective, there have been growing concerns about "South Korea passing" in U.S.-North Korea negotiations.

You have previously emphasized the importance of close coordination with South Korea in these talks. In light of such concerns, what steps should South Korea take to ensure its role in the process?

8. Alongside this, trilateral security cooperation between the U.S., South Korea and Japan has been crucial in addressing North Korea's nuclear threats.

However, there are expectations that the Trump 2.0 administration may not maintain the same level of trilateral coordination as the Biden government. What are your thoughts on this?

9. As prospects for a renewed defense cost negotiations are looming, with Trump referring to South Korea as a "money machine",

South Korea faces the challenge of balancing alliance stability with its national interests. How do you see this issue, and what strategies should Seoul consider in managing these talks?

10. Before we let you go, could you leave us with an advice regarding South Korea's diplomatic strategy in navigating its relationship with the U.S. under the Trump administration?