In a stunning development that could reshape international nuclear diplomacy, former US President Donald Trump stands accused of offering North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sensitive nuclear submarine technology during their failed 2019 summit in Hanoi.
The Explosive Hanoi Meeting
According to newly surfaced accounts from participants, Trump made the extraordinary proposal during his second meeting with the North Korean dictator. The former president allegedly suggested providing Kim with advanced nuclear submarine capabilities in what appears to be an unprecedented offer from a sitting US leader to a long-time adversary.
The revelation comes from multiple sources familiar with the discussions, painting a concerning picture of Trump's approach to nuclear negotiations with the isolated regime.
Cash for Secrets Allegation
Most alarmingly, sources indicate Trump framed the technology transfer as a transaction, reportedly telling Kim that such cooperation would require "a lot of cash." This quid-pro-quo approach to sharing sensitive military technology has raised serious questions about the former president's diplomatic methods.
Nuclear submarines represent one of the most protected technologies in America's defence arsenal, making the alleged offer particularly troubling to national security experts.
Summit Breakdown and Aftermath
The 2019 Hanoi summit ultimately collapsed without any agreement, with Trump walking away from negotiations. However, these new allegations suggest the discussions ventured into dangerously uncharted territory before their eventual failure.
North Korea has since accelerated its nuclear programme and submarine development efforts, though no evidence suggests Trump's alleged offer was ever fulfilled.
International Security Implications
The allegations have sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles, with experts warning that such offers could fundamentally undermine global non-proliferation efforts. Providing nuclear submarine technology to North Korea would represent a dramatic shift in the balance of power in Northeast Asia.
As these revelations emerge, they're likely to fuel ongoing debates about appropriate boundaries in international diplomacy and the protection of sensitive military technology.
