Could New China Tariffs Hurt North Korea Summit Momentum?
Lindsey Ford on MSNBC
On May 29, 2018, ASPI Director of Political-Security Affairs Lindsey Ford spoke with MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle about the strategic triangle of U.S., China, and North Korea, as well as ongoing talks between the U.S. and North Korea.
Ford observes that China is “trying to leverage the North Korea situation to its own advantage” in its trade negotiations with the United States. While the Trump administration has taken a more aggressive approach toward China on trade, Ford argues that President Trump’s “flip-flopping” on issues with China “undermines the administration’s overall effort to look tougher towards the Chinese.”
With regards to negotiations with North Korea, Ford warns that “there’s still a huge gap” between both countries, and that it is “a big question mark” as to whether that gap can be closed in time. She explains that these negotiations are best done “behind closed doors” and “from the bottom-up,” with involved parties having “the time that they need to address those types of cleavages. Quick wins are not the way to get the type of agreement we need in North Korea,” states Ford. (4 min. 29 sec.)