Trump says he will meet North Korea's Kim Jong Un later this year

US President Donald Trump has disclosed his intention to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this year. The meeting has not yet been scheduled. Following the announcement, Trump emphasized his plans to scale back military drills with South Korea. On being asked about the meeting, Trump stated, "Yeah, I will be,". He elaborated on his plans to meet Kim Jong Un, highlighting his knowledge of Kim and expressing his satisfaction with the ongoing dialogue.

Kim Jong Un is believed to have around 57 nuclear weapons. The last meeting between Trump and Kim took place three times during Trump's first term in office. Recently, Trump hinted at communication with Kim but did not confirm their recent exchange of letters. Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Un's sister, stated that she is unaware of the reported communication between her brother and Trump, yet emphasized the excellent ties between the two nations.

The development comes as Trump directed the Pentagon to reduce planned joint military exercises with South Korea, citing the drills as costly and sending an inappropriate and hostile signal to North Korea. Trump stated that North Korea had been unthreatening and respectful during his tenure. Trump's meeting with Kim Jong Un is planned for the same year he will travel to China for the APEC summit.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi began a visit to South Korea, aiming to discuss regional security including developments on the Korean Peninsula. South Korea and the US have scaled down their annual joint military drills to five days from 11, following Trump's directive. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung acknowledged Trump's efforts to create conditions for dialogue with North Korea, praising Trump's decision as one made with careful consideration to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula.

North Korea condemned the military drills, referring to the US and South Korea as "warmongers" and vowing to continue its right to self-defence.