Washington’s dogged insistence on denuclearisation first has led to a prolonged deadlock that has only widened Pyongyang’s options
Washington’s approach warrants scrutiny, given its central role in the war and any eventual peace settlement. The armistice was signed by the Korean People’s Army, Chinese forces and the United States representing the UN Command – South Korea refused. Because Beijing’s policy does not constitute the principal obstacle to peace, the core of the impasse rests with Washington and Pyongyang.
For decades, US administrations maintained a denuclearisation-first posture: expecting North Korea to substantially dismantle its nuclear programme before meaningful normalisation, sanctions relief or a broader peace process can proceed. Yet North Korea today fields a more sophisticated and survivable nuclear force than before.