Leaders across the world have unanimously condemned the recent attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump as “political terrorism.” However, Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, has remained silent. He is speculated to be mindful of the expanded alliance relationship with Russia.
According to Reuters and AP reports on Sunday, major European and East Asian countries have collectively voiced their condemnation of political terrorism. Some non-allied countries, including Russia, have subtly criticized the administration.
The UK and EU Unanimously Condemn
Newly appointed UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer strongly criticized, saying, “Political violence in any form has no place in our societies, and my thoughts are with all the victims of this attack.“
French President Emmanuel Macron called for a speedy recovery and noted it as “a tragedy for our democracies.” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also said, “The attack on US presidential candidate Donald Trump is despicable,“
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “This was an attack on America. It was an attack on democracy.” He expressed his wish for Trump’s speedy recovery. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted, “One that can only be condemned, and which shows how serious the global challenges to democracy are right now. Violence in any form and anywhere must not prevail.“
In Brazil, the former president’s remarks attracted the media’s attention. Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro expressed his explicit support for Trump on social media, saying, “See you at the inauguration.”
Big 3 Asia Countries, South Korea, China, and Japan, also responded
South Korea and Japan also reaffirmed their alliances with the U.S. and strongly condemned the shooting.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed his position, saying, “We must stand firm against any form of violence that challenges democracy.”
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-Te wished Trump a speedy recovery, stating, “Political violence of any form is never acceptable in our democracies.“
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stated, “We are appalled by the horrific act of political violence,” and emphasized, “The Korean people stand in solidarity with the American people.”
The Chinese Foreign Ministry also expressed condolences under the name of President Xi Jinping.
Russia: “The Attack was on Biden Administration”
Russia was the first to criticize the U.S. administration. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov blamed the administration for creating an environment that caused the attack.
Pro-Russia Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico also stated, “They enrage the public so much that some poor bugger picks up a gun.“
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro briefly stated, “We were hostile, but we wish for President Trump’s health and longevity.”
Although there were various responses, the majority have voiced their condemnation of political terrorism. This was no different for China, which is engaged in a trade war with the U.S.
Kim Jong Un Remains Silent, Considering Relations with Russia
During all this, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un remained silent. In 2018, Kim and Trump had summits in Singapore and Vietnam. In response, various interpretations are being made.
It might appear ironic for authoritarian North Korea to condemn political terrorism. Moreover, voicing such opinions could complicate North Korea’s efforts to improve relations with Russia.
According to Axios, news reports indicate that not all leaders have been vocal so far. The media outlet mentioned that it is awaiting direct responses from leaders in rival nations, including North Korea and Iran.
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