Seoul:North Korea is unlikely to participate in the upcoming Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in China, scheduled for next week, according to a South Korean presidential official. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that while there is a minimal possibility of talks between North Korea and the United States, the likelihood remains low.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the official highlighted that the chances of North Korea attending the APEC summit or engaging in discussions with Washington during the event are slim. This comes amid ongoing speculation about a potential meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, following Trump's repeated offers for talks.
The official further mentioned the potential for a summit involving Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the APEC meeting, which cannot be ruled out. Discussions at this potential meeting might cover denuclearization and the situation in Iran, as previously suggested by Trump. Additionally, the possibility of addressing "Korean Peninsula issues" remains open.
In light of the recent U.S. midterm election results, the official commented on their impact on South Korea-U.S. negotiations regarding Seoul's bid to regain wartime operational control of its troops from the U.S., indicating that discussions are progressing well. The official also addressed Seoul's plans to expand the operational scope of its anti-piracy unit near the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the aim to protect South Korean nationals and vessels without engaging in combat or altering command structures.
Earlier this week, the South Korean Cabinet approved a bill to seek parliamentary consent for expanding the Cheonghae unit's operations from the Somali coast to the Arabian Sea. The bill is expected to be submitted to the National Assembly for approval soon.