Bolton's Memoir Sparks Diplomatic Row Over Korea Nuclear Talks

Strategic Insights -

Seoul's Presidential Office criticized former US national security adviser John Bolton's account of nuclear talks between the United States and the two Koreas, calling it inaccurate and distorted. The criticism echoes the Trump administration's accusations against Bolton over his soon-to-be-published memoir. Bolton's book describes the failed efforts to get North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons, contradicting the claims of South Korean President Moon Jae-in's government, which had been pushing for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bolton's memoir claims that the 17-months he served as Trump's national security adviser failed to achieve its goal of getting North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons.
  • South Korean national security adviser Chung Eui-yong accused Bolton of being inaccurate and distorting the reality of the nuclear talks.
  • Chung expressed concern that Bolton's revelations could undermine future negotiations and mutual interests between the United States and South Korea.
  • Bolton's book claims that the Moon administration's agenda was more focused on improving relations with North Korea than on achieving substantial denuclearization commitments.
  • Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had concerns that Trump would compromise US foreign policy interests out of desperation for a deal, particularly during discussions with South Korea's president.
  • Bolton's memoir describes Trump's conversations with South Korea's president as a "near-death experience" and a "cardiac arrest" for Bolton.

Statistics:

  • The two Koreas have been engaged in nuclear talks for 17 months, as described by Bolton in his memoir.
  • The talks resulted in failed efforts to get North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons, according to Bolton's account.
  • The second summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un collapsed last year due to disagreements over lifting sanctions in exchange for disarmament steps by North Korea.
  • A federal judge denied the Trump administration's bid to block the release of Bolton's book on Saturday.

Sources:

  • Presidential Office of South Korea (via a presidential spokesman)
  • The Washington Post
  • The Seoul Bureau (Hudson)