Close coordination essential in any Trump-Kim talks

Any renewed summit must be closely coordinated with Seoul to protect South Korea's security and advance denuclearization.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday that U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed aides to pursue a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un this fall. One option reportedly under discussion is holding the meeting during Trump's trip to Asia for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, China, in November.

Trump sought a meeting with Kim during last year's APEC summit in Gyeongju, but it did not materialize. He is now trying again. As an apparent preliminary step, Trump unilaterally announced a reduction in joint South Korea-U.S. military exercises. The two countries' defense authorities said yesterday that exercises originally scheduled through Aug. 27 would end early on Friday.

Another Trump-Kim meeting during Trump's second term was foreseeable. The timing, however, raises concerns.

Trump's approval rating has fallen to its lowest level of his term after failing to produce clear achievements in Ukraine, Gaza and the war with Iran. A summit with Kim could therefore be intended as a political turnaround ahead of the November midterm elections.

Foreign media and diplomatic experts warn that negotiations would take place in circumstances fundamentally different from those of Trump's first-term summits with Kim in 2018 and 2019. North Korea has significantly advanced its nuclear capabilities, enshrined its nuclear-armed status in its Constitution and strengthened its alignment with China and Russia. Negotiations could consequently begin on a playing field tilted toward Pyongyang.

Equally troubling is that the summit is being pursued as disagreements within the South Korea-U.S. alliance grow over major issues, including implementation of the joint trade and security fact sheet, the transfer of wartime operational control and military support in the Strait of Hormuz.

The South Korean government must ensure above all that Seoul's voice is reflected throughout preparations for any summit and during the talks themselves. That requires urgent coordination between Seoul and Washington on the various disputes currently straining the alliance.

The public should also remain wary of treating summit diplomacy as a cure-all driven by the political calculations of either government. If Trump and Kim do meet, the talks must ultimately serve the goal of North Korea's denuclearization.

(END)

  • N. Korea silent on Lee's proposal for dialogue to officially end Korean War
  • (2nd LD) Lee proposes dialogue with N. Korea to officially end Korean War, halt Pyongyang's nuclear program
  • Incheon airport ranks world's No. 1 in int'l passenger traffic in first half
  • (LEAD) Gov't aims to supply over 230,000 additional homes in Seoul metropolitan area to tame housing prices

  • (2nd LD) Gov't aims to supply over 230,000 additional homes in Seoul metropolitan area to tame housing prices

  • N. Korea silent on Lee's proposal for dialogue to officially end Korean War

  • Trump signs memo permitting foreign shipbuilders to build up to 2 U.S. ships in their shipyards
  • (LEAD) Lee reiterates support for four-year, two-term presidential system
  • (2nd LD) Lee proposes dialogue with N. Korea to officially end Korean War, halt Pyongyang's nuclear program

  • Incheon airport ranks world's No. 1 in int'l passenger traffic in first half

  • Death penalty sought for woman accused of killing 2 men with laced drinks

  • N. Korea warns of 'self-defense' measures despite Trump's order to reduce drills with S. Korea
  • Seoul not notified in advance of Trump's order to scale back drills: FM Cho
  • Hanwha wins U.S. Army contract for K9 self-propelled howitzer prototypes
  • (LEAD) S. Korea, U.S. cut short joint military exercise following Trump order