North Korea has dismissed the significance of the United States’ decision to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea, saying the move does not alter Pyongyang’s view that the drills are provocative. The statement came as US President Donald Trump said he expects to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this year, while Kim’s powerful sister cast doubt on claims that the two leaders are currently communicating.

President Trump said he plans to meet with Kim Jong Un this year as Trump is once again touting his close relationship with the North Korean leader.

The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made the comments Wednesday night in her country’s first reaction to Trump’s moves to drastically cut back the annual…