North Korean leader Kim Jong-un stated his willingness to engage in talks with the U.S., asserting that recognition of North Korea's nuclear power status is a prerequisite for any discussions. This comes as the White House communicates that President Trump is open to dialogues with Kim, emphasizing a departure from traditional negotiation preconditions. Both leaders appear to signal their desire for engagement ahead of Trump's upcoming visit to China in late March or early April, suggesting a potential thaw in relations, albeit with significant disagreements still looming over denuclearization criteria.

In his speech during the 9th Party Congress, Kim denounced the U.S. as a 'special rogue state' that frequently engages in aggression against sovereign nations. Despite this rhetoric, he conveyed that there is no reason to maintain a hostile relationship with the U.S., hinting at a potential willingness to negotiate. However, Kim's demands for recognition as a responsible nuclear state complicate the possibilities for mutual agreement, particularly as the U.S. has consistently maintained its denial of such recognition as part of any negotiation framework.

U.S. officials highlight Trump's historical summits with Kim in his first term, indicating that he remains open to dialogue without preconditions but clarifying that American policy toward North Korea has not shifted. With Trump scheduled to visit China shortly, concerns arise that no practical discussions between the U.S. and North Korea are underway, creating uncertainty about whether an April meeting could materialize amid persistent divides on the nuclear issue. Insiders also convey that while the U.S. maintains a stance of openness to dialogue, they are not yet prepared to take specific actions to facilitate these discussions, further complicating prospects for reconciliation.