Overview
- CNN reports U.S. officials have privately discussed arranging a Trump–Kim meeting during the late‑October Asia swing, but no serious planning has begun and there has been no outreach to Pyongyang.
- South Korea’s ambassador to the U.S., Kang Kyung-wha, told lawmakers there is no sign a meeting will materialize around the APEC summit, while pledging continued Seoul–Washington coordination.
- Analysts quoted in Korean media say a surprise encounter is unlikely given North Korea’s hardened stance and the absence of presummit coordination or clear objectives.
- Trump has reaffirmed plans to meet China’s Xi Jinping in South Korea, as his team prioritizes the U.S.–China agenda, including a threatened 100% tariff on Chinese goods starting Nov. 1 and new export controls.
- U.S. outreach earlier this year reportedly went unanswered when North Korea declined to accept a letter from Trump, underscoring the lack of active diplomatic channels.