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US–North Korea Talks Uncertain Ahead of APEC Summit 2026

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South Korea says North Korea is unlikely to attend the APEC summit, reducing prospects for a Trump–Kim diplomatic meeting.

SEOUL: Prospects for a diplomatic meeting between the United States and North Korea during the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit appear limited, according to a South Korean presidential official.

The comments come amid speculation that US President Donald Trump could meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during the international gathering scheduled to take place in Shenzhen, China, next week.

A South Korean official said on November 12 that North Korea was unlikely to participate in the APEC summit and that the possibility of talks between Washington and Pyongyang remained low.

North Korea's participation remains unlikely

According to Yonhap News Agency, the South Korean official said it would be difficult to completely rule out diplomatic discussions but indicated that the probability was not high.

North Korea is particularly unlikely to attend the upcoming APEC summit, reducing the immediate possibility of a direct meeting between the two leaders.

The summit is scheduled for November 18 and 19 in Shenzhen, China.

Background of US–North Korea relations

Trump and Kim previously held high-profile meetings during Trump's first presidential term.

Their first summit took place in Singapore in June 2018, followed by another meeting in Hanoi in February 2019.

However, negotiations failed to produce a comprehensive agreement on North Korea's nuclear weapons programme and international sanctions.

Relations between the two countries have remained complicated by disagreements over denuclearisation, security guarantees and sanctions relief.

Why another meeting matters

A potential meeting could provide an opportunity to reopen diplomatic communication and discuss regional security concerns.

North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes remain major concerns for South Korea, Japan and the United States.

China also plays an important role in regional diplomacy because of its political and economic relationship with North Korea.

Regional security implications

The absence of direct discussions could prolong diplomatic uncertainty across the Korean Peninsula.

South Korea continues to monitor developments involving North Korea's military activities and relations with Washington.

Any future negotiations would likely require discussions about nuclear weapons, sanctions and regional security arrangements.

Conclusion

The possibility of renewed US–North Korea diplomacy remains uncertain ahead of the APEC summit. Although a meeting cannot be completely ruled out, South Korean officials currently consider the prospects limited.

Sources:

1. Yonhap News Agency – North Korea unlikely to attend APEC or hold talks with US: official

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