[Anchor]
During this APEC summit in Gyeongju, significant bilateral meetings are attracting considerable attention.
In addition to the highly anticipated US-China and South Korea-US summits, US experts have analyzed that the possibility of a North Korea-US summit cannot be ruled out.
This is Washington correspondent Jung Ho-yoon.
[Reporter]
President Trump said he looks forward to meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the APEC summit.
He also mentioned the successful trade negotiations with South Korea, heightening expectations for the upcoming US-China and South Korea-US summits to be held in South Korea.
Donald Trump / President of the United States: “I think we will do well in negotiations with China. As you know, we have already achieved good results in negotiations with Japan, South Korea, and Europe.”
However, he did not comment on the possibility of an unexpected meeting between the US and North Korean leaders.
US experts unanimously stated that while the likelihood of a meeting between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is not high, it cannot be completely ruled out.
Considering Trump’s short visit to Korea and the lack of time to coordinate the agenda, the possibility of a formal meeting is slim, but an informal meeting could occur.
Sydney Seiler / Senior Adviser, CSIS: “At Panmunjom, they might exchange greetings like ‘How have you been? Nice to see you again,’ and then the working teams must continue to negotiate.”
Specifically, recalling the 2019 incident when Trump publicly proposed a meeting via social media and met Kim Jong Un at Panmunjom just 32 hours later, experts noted that Trump’s unique approach is a significant factor.
Andrew Yeo / Korea Chair, Brookings Institution: “I think the possibility is small, due to the schedule. Trump will only stay for one night. It would be difficult, but there’s still a slight chance. After all, it’s Trump.”
Previously, CNN reported that the Trump administration has been privately discussing a North Korea-US summit, and visits to Panmunjom were temporarily suspended.
Coincidentally, the acting US ambassador to South Korea, who previously managed North Korea-US summit affairs, was replaced, increasing the possibility of a surprise meeting.
Whether Kim Jong Un desires a meeting with President Trump at this time also remains a variable.
Trump’s preference for impromptu and symbolic gestures makes predictions challenging.
This is Jung Ho-yoon reporting from Washington for Yonhap News TV.
[Video: Lee Hyun-kyung]
[Editing: Kim Eun-chae]
[Source: CSIS]
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