Trump Hints at Kim Jong Un Meeting in Shenzhen
South Korea worries Washington may bypass Seoul in diplomatic talks with the North, following a surge in military provocations on the peninsula.
By Olivia Miller ·
Ten short-range ballistic missiles. That is how many North Korea launched toward the Sea of Japan on Thursday. The launch occurred just before German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Seoul for a scheduled visit. The timing added to a week of heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula.
President Donald Trump has indicated he wants to resume talks with Kim Jong Un. Reports suggest a meeting could happen on November 18 in Shenzhen, China. Trump is expected to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in that city. The North has not officially responded to Washington's hints. However, South Korea's National Intelligence Service told a closed-door committee on Thursday that Kim discussed a potential meeting with Trump. That conversation reportedly happened during a visit by Kim to China's politburo in Dandong on Saturday.
Seoul is concerned about being left out of the process. Kim Sang-woo, a member of the board of the Kim Dae-jung Peace Foundation, said trust between the two governments is currently broken. He noted that the security and trade relationship has been shaken by tariffs and trade restrictions. Washington has also demanded that South Korea pay more for US troops stationed there. Kim added that President Lee's diplomats have lost access to key White House decision-makers. "I do not think this US administration is thinking long-term in the relationship with South Korea," Kim said.
The relationship with the North is also deteriorating. Last month, Seoul accused Pyongyang of planting a mine on the southern side of the border. Three South Korean soldiers were injured in the explosion. North Korea refused to apologize and called it a false-flag incident. Since then, the North has conducted multiple weapons tests and held its first military drone exhibition attended by Kim Jong Un. Self-propelled artillery units have moved to the border, and propaganda loudspeaker systems are being prepared.
Lim Eun-jung, a professor of international studies at Kongju National University, identified the recognition of North Korea as a nuclear power as the most serious concern. She warned that such recognition would legitimize the North's program. It could also undermine non-proliferation efforts. Lim noted fears that a Trump deal might allow North Korea to keep short-range weapons while scrapping long-range missiles. That scenario could challenge the US commitment to defend South Korea against nuclear attack.
Chancellor Merz emphasized the link between regional and European security during his visit. "Korea's security affects Europe's security," Merz said. He urged an alliance of middle powers to protect free trade and oppose unilateralism. The European allies are also watching closely because North Korea is sending soldiers and munitions to support Russia in the Ukraine war. Moscow is reportedly repaying Pyongyang with money and military technology.
South Korea is currently struggling to communicate with both its neighbor and its ally. Kim Sang-woo described the situation as very difficult. "There is no trust and no connections and that, to me, is very worrisome," he said. The country has depended on US extended deterrence for years. Now, more people in Seoul are asking if the nation needs its own nuclear deterrent. Virtually all of South Korea's neighbors possess nuclear weapons.
