Trump-Kim Summit Unlikely This Year, Officials Say — SkimNews
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- Trump expressed willingness to meet Kim Jong Un without preconditions, but said he is unsure if either side is seeking a meeting, downplaying prospects for a summit at upcoming regional gatherings.
- US and South Korean officials see dwindling chances for a Trump-Kim meeting this year, citing no response from North Korea and little time before the APEC summit in Shenzhen on November 18-19.
- North Korea has set tough conditions for a summit, including sanctions relief, while Kim's sister claims the two leaders maintain an 'excellent' relationship, according to state media.
- Ankit Panda of the Carnegie Endowment assesses less than a 10% chance of a Trump-Kim meeting at APEC, arguing North Korea seeks a costly public signal before reengaging.
- US officials say the ball is 'in North Korea's court' for restarting talks, noting scaled-back military exercises with South Korea have not prompted a diplomatic response.
- Michelle Steel, US ambassador to South Korea, said any potential meeting would likely be announced abruptly, with little advance notice, if it occurs at all.
Why it matters: With no movement from Pyongyang and a narrow window before APEC, the prospect of high-level diplomacy fading means continued stagnation in efforts to curb North Korea’s nuclear program, which South Korean estimates say includes 80 to 120 warheads, leaving regional security unchanged.
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