Denuclearization of the Korean peninsula has not yet occurred, but was also not realistically able to do so following the summit in which top political figures from both North Korea and the United States of America met. A serious process of denuclearization is not only time-consuming, but requires a series of confidence-building mechanisms that is particularly needed between adversaries. North Korea has thus far claimed that it has halted missile tests, nuclear tests, dismantled a nuclear test ground, and returned the remains of American soldiers that were killed during the Korean War. The United States in the meanwhile has called for international sanctions to be placed on North Korea, keeping a policy of "denuclearization first". Absolute commitment to the "denuclearization first" ideal is certainly far-fetched. Recent American retraction from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran, tariffs placed on Chinese trade, and further pressure placed on the European Union have all contributed to deepening suspicions of engaging the United States as a reliable figure. Hence, North Korea would likewise be increasingly wary of engaging the United States, even when in its dire economic condition. Therefore, it would be shrewd of the United States to instead engage the international system as well as North Korea with reliable diplomacy that is valued by all parties.
