White House efforts to arrange a Trump-North Korea summit and Seoul’s related concerns.
Donald Trump, who met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un three times during his first term from 2017 to 2021, has expressed a desire to meet with Kim again if he returns to the White House. Kim Jong-un has stated that he is willing to meet, provided the U.S. sets aside concerns regarding nuclear weapons.
According to CNN, White House officials are engaged in behind-the-scenes discussions to arrange a meeting between Trump and the North Korean leader. They plan to hold this meeting during Trump’s upcoming trip to Asia, which includes visits to Japan and South Korea. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit is scheduled to take place in Gyeongju, South Korea, from October 31 to November 1.
During a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung at the White House on September 2, Trump commented on the possibility of meeting Kim, saying, “It’s hard to confirm, but I would like to meet him this year.”
Previous U.S. presidents have typically observed North Korea from heavily guarded watchtowers during their visits to Seoul. However, Trump distinguished himself by crossing the border during his meeting with Kim in July 2019. He walked 20 steps into North Korean territory, breaking with the typical security protocols followed by past presidents.
Seoul has expressed concern about the potential for another meeting between Trump and Kim, given South Korea’s reliance on U.S. military support to defend against its nuclear-armed northern neighbor. Since the 1953 armistice, over 28,000 American troops have been stationed in South Korea, but Trump has repeatedly suggested reducing this military presence and relocating troops elsewhere.