What next?

America will go ahead with joint military exercises with South Korea scheduled for next month, with Kim’s apparent blessing. In the past, Pyongyang has denounced such exercises as “provocative”, but as part of its peace offer it has waived any objections. US warplanes will reportedly rehearse a “decapitation strike” on Kim.

Washington insiders say any talks with Pyongyang could be hindered by Trump’s failure to appoint a new ambassador to South Korea for over a year, and the recent exodus of leading Korean specialists from the State Department.