North Korea Defends Recent Diplomatic Stance As Strength Not Weakness

North Korea's recent moves to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula are evidence of its confidence and national strength, not a sign of weakness, according to its state-run media.

The North's defence of its diplomatic approach to Seoul and Washington is surprising because its media have yet to report virtually any of the activity.

Only US and South Korean officials have said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un plans to meet US President Donald Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in by May.

The commentary by the North's official Korean Central News Agency said the country's "proactive measure and peace-loving proposal" had caused a "dramatic atmosphere for reconciliation" to be "created in relations between the North and the South of Korea and there has been a sign of change also in the DPRK-US relations".

DPRK is short for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The commentary offered no other details, saying only that the North has started a "dialogue peace offensive".

But it strongly criticised current and former officials and experts in the US and Japan, along with conservatives in South Korea, for suggesting Pyongyang has been pushed into a corner by increasingly tough sanctions.

The commentary added:

"The great change in the North-South relations is not an accidental one but a noble fruition made thanks to the DPRK's proactive measure, warm compatriotism and will for defending peace.

“Such an event as today could be possible as the DPRK's dignity has remarkably risen and it has strong might."

Mr Kim and Mr Moon have made major steps to reduce tensions that reached dangerously high levels last year, with Kim’s younger sister attending the opening ceremony of the Pyongchang winter Olympics last month.

Mr Moon was invited to Pyongyang for what would be only the third North-South summit, following meetings in 2000 and 2007.

The South Korean government was also key in brokering the plan for Mr Kim and Mr Trump to meet.

Washington and Pyongyang have no diplomatic relations and no US president has ever sat down with a North Korean leader.

Mr Moon said on Wednesday that the North Korean nuclear crisis must be resolved completely through the two upcoming summits.

He said a trilateral meeting among Seoul, Pyongyang and Washington could be possible, depending on the results of the summits.

Later, Mr Moon's presidential office proposed talks with North Korea next week to determine the exact timing and agendas for the inter-Korean summit.

South Korean officials who met with Mr Kim in Pyongyang to discuss the upcoming summits said he indicated he is willing to discuss denuclearisation, but the lack of confirmation from Pyongyang has led to concern over what Mr Kim may actually be willing to negotiate.

The commentary called on all parties involved to act with "prudence, self-control and patience".