Yahoo News Donald Trump says North Korea efforts 'have not worked out’
Donald Trump has thanked China for its role in trying to deal with North Korea’s nuclear programme.
The US President took to Twitter to praise the Chinese president for his country’s efforts – even if they haven’t worked out.
He wrote: “While I greatly appreciate the efforts of President Xi (above, with Trump) & China to help with North Korea, it has not worked out.”
Trump added: “At least I know China tried.”
While I greatly appreciate the efforts of President Xi & China to help with North Korea, it has not worked out. At least I know China tried!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 20, 2017
The tweet was posted just hours before the US and China are set to meet in Washington to discuss the situation in North Korea.
And, like many Trump tweets before it, the message has apparently confused people working in his own administration.
One staffer told CNN that they didn’t know what the President was referencing when asked what the tweet meant.
MORE: Donald Trump warns of ‘major, major conflict’ with North Korea
MORE: Would Donald Trump actually attack North Korea?
According to the site, the tweet could be read as a signal that Trump is prepared to go it alone when it comes to North Korea – or he was trying to put pressure on the Chinese to do more.
Trump has previously signalled his desire to work on the North Korea situation with China, the secretive state’s closest ally.
He tweeted earlier this year: “I have great confidence that China will properly deal with North Korea.
“If they are unable to do so, the U.S., with its allies, will! U.S.A.”
North Korea leader Kim Jong Un has escalated his country’s military programme amid fears he is trying to develop a missile that is capable of reaching US shores.
Top pic: Rex
