Talking about meeting with Kim Jong-un just before starting his five-day trip to three Asian countries, Trump's words were almost simultaneously followed by a special plane departing from North Korea, but the destination was not South Korea, but Russia.

Trump interviewed before departure

On the eve of his trip to Asia, Trump told the public that he had "a 100 percent chance" of being willing to hold a meeting with Kim Jong-un. It is well known that Trump's trip includes attending the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia and the APEC Summit in South Korea. Lee Jae-myung released information early on that the leaders of the US and North Korea might meet in South Korea.

Notably, as soon as Trump spoke, North Korea took action. The official media of North Korea announced on the same day that Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui would start a three-day foreign visit from the 26th, with the destination being Russia and Belarus. Analysts believe that this visit to Russia by the North Korean Foreign Minister is to discuss Kim Jong-un's visit to Russia with the Russian side.

It is worth noting that Choe Son-hui's foreign visit coincides with Trump's visit to South Korea. According to Yonhap News, as a "trusted minister" of Kim Jong-un, if the US and North Korean leaders meet, Choe Son-hui will definitely accompany them. However, North Korea publicly announced Choe Son-hui's foreign visit plan at this time, clearly telling the outside world that the so-called US-North Korea meeting is impossible.

Trump arrived in Malaysia

The relationship between Trump and Kim Jong-un is one of the most unexpected chapters in international politics. Previously, they met three times, which created a landmark moment in Trump's first term. In 2019, Trump posted "Meet me" on social media, and 32 hours later, he met Kim Jong-un at the border village. Some analysts believe that Trump may want to create a similar "surprise event" again.

Additionally, South Korean observers have noted that North Korean personnel are conducting activities such as cleaning, weeding, arranging flower beds, and taking photos at the border village. These actions are interpreted as signals that North Korea may be preparing for a high-level meeting. In addition, when Kim Jong-un mentioned Trump last month, he highly evaluated their previous meetings, which also provides the possibility of another meeting between the two leaders.

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov and North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui

However, it seems that this possibility is now decreasing. It is no coincidence that North Korea announced the schedule of its foreign minister's visit at this time, but rather a clear signal to the United States that North Korea has other choices in diplomacy. At the same time, Kim Jong-un has thrown the initiative to Trump, either accept North Korea's conditions or watch North Korea deepen its cooperation with Russia, making the situation on the Korean Peninsula even harder to control.

For Trump, saying he is willing to meet with Kim Jong-un is a very timely "diplomatic card." The fragile achievements in the Gaza ceasefire, the lack of progress in the Russia-Ukraine war, and Asia have become the last stage for him to make a breakthrough. This "good timing and location" makes it difficult for Trump to give up the opportunity to create a "media effect." After all, for him, even if no substantial agreement can be reached, a meeting between leaders is itself a "success" to show off to voters.

Border Village

However, facing the signals from both sides, South Korean media consistently expressed pessimism. The fundamental reason still lies in the fact that the positions of both sides on the nuclear issue remain diametrically opposed. Just a few days ago, North Korea conducted a missile test, clearly demonstrating a deterrent intention. Hasty meetings without prior communication will only lead to repeating past mistakes.

For Trump, even if the meeting fails, it is not a loss. At least, he can promote the image of "trying for peace," while for Kim Jong-un, consolidating allies through the visit to Russia and pressuring the United States through dialogue is a win-win situation. The real embarrassment is South Korea. The Lee Jae-myung government originally wanted to demonstrate its diplomatic capabilities by promoting the meeting, but now it may become a "messenger" for both sides. This seemingly lively diplomatic performance may ultimately end with "a lot of noise but little rain."

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7565795920630121001/

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