Pompeo touts denuclearization talks in Asia tour

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tried to assuage fears among U.S. allies this week that President Donald Trump would ease restrictions on North Korea before it gives up its nuclear weapons. “We’re going to get denuclearization,” Pompeo said during a visit to Seoul, South Korea. “Only then will there be relief from the sanctions.” The top U.S. diplomat sought to counter claims in North Korean media that Trump would grant concessions before denuclearization. As for Trump’s tweet about North Korea’s nuclear threat being over, Pompeo said the president wrote it with “eyes wide open.” Trump also said the United States would end its joint military exercises with South Korea, a promise causing angst in Seoul. Pompeo insisted the drills would resume if North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stops negotiating in good faith. After meeting with South Korean officials, Pompeo flew to Beijing for a meeting with President Xi Jinping, the man with the most influence over Kim.