Douglas H. Paal
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DPRK Test Adds to Tensions on Korean Peninsula Ahead of Xi-Trump Meeting
The White House must overcome internal divisions to come up with a comprehensive North Korea policy that incorporates both China and America’s regional allies.
Source: CGTN
Speaking on CGTN, Carnegie’s Douglas H. Paal explained that the upcoming summit in Mar-a-Lago presents an opportunity for the United States and China to work out a mutually beneficial strategy to deal with a North Korea situation that grows more urgent with each additional missile test.
He pointed out that the administration is divided along at least two axes: between “true believer” political appointees and the more moderate technocrats, and between factions arguing for disparate North Korea strategies.
Paal concluded by arguing for a fundamental re-thinking of America’s policy options. He noted that the situation was urgent, but not urgent enough that the White House cannot take the time to come up with a well-conceived strategy.
About the Author
Distinguished Fellow, Asia Program
Paal previously served as vice chairman of JPMorgan Chase International and as unofficial U.S. representative to Taiwan as director of the American Institute in Taiwan.
- America’s Future in a Dynamic AsiaPaper
- U.S.-China Relations at the Forty-Year MarkQ&A
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Douglas H. Paal, Tong Zhao, Chen Qi, …
Recent Work
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
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