Prospect of Discussing Resumption of North-U.S. Dialogue at U.S.-China Summit… Focus on November APEC

It has been suggested that U.S. President Donald Trump may request Chinese President Xi Jinping’s role in facilitating the resumption of dialogue with North Korea during their summit in late September. President Trump sent a message for dialogue to North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un regarding the reduction of South Korea-U.S. combined military training; consequently, there are projections that he may ask President Xi to assist in resuming North-U.S. dialogue, contingent upon the situation.

President Trump and President Xi previously agreed on 'constructive U.S.-China relations for strategic stability' during their summit in May, and the Korean Peninsula issue is likely to be handled as a major agenda item alongside pressing issues such as trade, security, and artificial intelligence (AI) during this meeting. The resumption of North-U.S. dialogue could also be linked to China’s interests. Victor Cha, Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), analyzed that China could step up to facilitate the resumption of diplomacy between the North Korean and U.S. leaders.

The U.S. and Chinese leaders are highly likely to meet again at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit hosted by China in November. Some have expressed expectations that, depending on the circumstances, President Trump may seek contact with North Korea during his visit to Asia.

The outcome of this summit is drawing significant attention, as the resumption of North-U.S. dialogue could have widespread repercussions, including the alleviation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula and progress on the North Korean nuclear issue.