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Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation

Trump's Asia Trip: No Meeting with Kim Jong-un for Now, But "Things Can Change"

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

US President Donald Trump's upcoming visit to Asia, which includes a stop in South Korea for the APEC Leaders Meeting, does not currently include a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on the schedule. However, Trump's openness to reengaging with Kim has left room for speculation about potential future meetings. As Trump prepares to begin his two-day state visit to South Korea, where he will meet with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, there are ongoing efforts to reduce tensions and promote peace on the Korean Peninsula. The White House has expressed its willingness to engage in talks with North Korea without preconditions, and speculation persists that Trump might seek to resume his personal diplomacy with Kim during his visit to South Korea.

Key Takeaways:

  • Trump's Asia trip includes a stop in South Korea for the APEC Leaders Meeting, but no meeting with Kim Jong-un is currently scheduled.
  • The White House has stated that Trump remains open to talks with Kim Jong-un "without any preconditions."
  • The administration of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has expressed its support for Trump's efforts to reengage with Kim, citing the goal of reducing tensions and promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula.
  • Trump has held three in-person meetings with Kim Jong-un during his first term, including a meeting in Singapore in 2018, another in Hanoi in 2019, and a third at the border village of Panmunjom in 2019.
  • The US official noted that "things can change," leaving room for speculation about potential future meetings between Trump and Kim Jong-un.
  • The field trip program to Panmunjom will be suspended during the APEC meeting period, fueling speculation about potential preparations for a meeting.
  • Trump's visit to South Korea is part of his Asia trip, which also includes stops in Malaysia and Japan.

Statistics:

  • Three in-person meetings between Trump and Kim Jong-un have taken place, including two in 2018 and 2019, and one in 2019.
  • Trump's Asia trip will include stops in South Korea, Malaysia, and Japan.
  • The APEC Leaders Meeting will take place in the southeastern city of Gyeongju, South Korea, on October 31 and November 1.
  • The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas is a location that has been mentioned as a potential meeting place for Trump and Kim Jong-un.

Sources:

  • Senior US official, online press briefing, Friday
  • White House statement on Trump's willingness to engage in talks with Kim Jong-un "without any preconditions"
  • Administration of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, statement of support for Trump's efforts to reengage with Kim
  • News reports on North Korean authorities cleaning up an area on the North's side of the border village of Panmunjom
  • August White House summit between Trump and Lee Jae Myung

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