Biden and Moon align on North Korea but walk fine line on China

US leader names veteran Sung Kim special envoy and aims for 'practical progress'

20210521NY Main USA SOUTH KOREA

U.S. President Joe Biden and South Korean President Moon Jae-in participate in an expanded bilateral meeting at the White House on May 21. © Reuters

ALEX FANG, Nikkei staff writer

NEW YORK -- U.S. President Joe Biden and South Korean President Moon Jae-in showed unity regarding North Korea while papering over any differences on China when they met at the White House on Friday.

Biden said he is willing to meet with Kim Jong Un if the North Korean leader makes a commitment "that there's discussion about his nuclear arsenal." The American president said he will not agree to meet if giving Kim "international recognition" is the sole outcome of such a face-to-face.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.