Gyeongju: With just over 100 days until the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea, speculation is mounting about whether U.S. President Donald Trump will use the event to rekindle diplomacy with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The gathering, scheduled for October 31 to November 1 in Gyeongju, has observers wondering if Trump will attend and pursue a meeting with Kim.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the White House has yet to confirm Trump's attendance at the APEC summit. However, Trump's past statements about his positive relationship with Kim and his interest in resolving U.S.-North Korea tensions have kept the possibility open. Despite Trump's willingness, the decision largely rests with Kim, particularly as North Korea strengthens its ties with Moscow.
Experts like Andrew Yeo from the Brookings Institution and Rob Rapson, a former acting U.S. ambassador to South Korea, acknowledge that while a Trump-Kim meeting at the summit is uncertain, Trump's penchant for dramatic gestures could make it plausible. South Korea's presidential office has extended invitations to leaders of the 21 APEC member economies, including Trump.
Cho Hyun, South Korea's nominee for foreign minister, mentioned at a parliamentary hearing that the chances of Trump's attendance are "considerably high." Analysts suggest that if Trump participates, he might attempt a diplomatic move toward Kim, aligning with his broader "peacemaker" ambitions.
Nevertheless, doubts persist about North Korea's readiness for dialogue with Washington, especially given its reliance on Russia for crucial support. A recent report by NK News highlighted North Korea's refusal to accept a communication letter from Trump, indicating Pyongyang's current disinterest in talks.
Should a meeting occur, the North's nuclear program would likely dominate the agenda. However, experts warn that reaching a denuclearization agreement might be tougher now due to North Korea's advancements in nuclear capabilities. The Trump administration's recent actions against Iran could further solidify Pyongyang's commitment to maintaining its nuclear arsenal.
Trump's approach to North Korea could align with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's policy of improving inter-Korean relations. The Lee administration has already taken steps to ease tensions, including suspending propaganda broadcasts along the border.
While the potential for engagement with North Korea remains uncertain, Trump may face other pressing issues at the APEC summit, such as trade tariffs and regional security dynamics. Rapson notes that Trump's track record raises questions about his role at the summit, given his general aversion to multilateral forums.