Stakes high for Pompeo's post-Singapore North Korea trip

THE White House confirmed Monday night that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will travel to North Korea Thursday for the first time since last month's Singapore summit.

The trip comes amid media coverage of new US intelligence claims that Pyongyang has this year increased production of fuel for nuclear weapons even as it has engaged in intensive diplomacy with Washington, raising questions over the future of the negotiation process.

The revelations are an embarrassment for the White House after President Donald Trump's assertions last month that there "is no longer a nuclear threat from North Korea". This is especially so since Pyongyang appears to have been trying to hide this increased fuel production at secret sites, while simultaneously seeking concessions from Washington, including ending US military drills with South Korea. Apparently acknowledging this on Sunday, Mr Trump was forced to concede that it is "possible" the talks with Pyongyang may "not work out".