A serious approach to diplomatic negotiation

Whether Donald Trump’s approach actually works with North Korea will depend on the diplomacy that follows the showpiece Singapore summit, writes Christopher Hill.

Back in 2005, when I was the United States’ lead negotiator at the six-party talks on North Korea’s nuclear programme, I looked at the instructions I received for my first meeting, a Chinese-hosted banquet that included a North Korean delegation.

If there was any toasting (not unheard of at Chinese banquets), I was not to join in. Apparently, I was expected to sit there, without touching my glass, glowering with arms folded until everyone else had placed theirs back on the table.