Following former basketball star Dennis Rodman’s highly publicized visit to North Korea, state periodical Rodong Sinmun has conveyed the regime’s willingness to adopt a softer approach in its often strained relationship with the United States.

“The Chosun-United States basketball game from Leader Kim Jong Eun was an excellent opportunity for the citizens of both countries to understand one another. Even now, if the United States respected the leadership of our country, did not interfere and had good intentions, we too would behave accordingly,” it was written on the 16th.





However, a caveat was also included; “Should the United States oppose us, continue to apply pressure or use force, military-first Chosun with its powerful self-defense capabilities would enact resolute measures in response.”





“If they (the United States) intend to relieve the tension on the Chosun Peninsula and guarantee peace, and if they wish to improve bilateral relations, then its policy of hostility toward Chosun must be abandoned,” the piece concluded.