Trump says will meet North Korea’s Kim later this year

US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he intends to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this year, aiming to reestablish their relationship from his first term. At a White House press conference, Trump stated that it was crucial to get along with Kim, adding that Pyongyang currently possesses 57 very powerful nuclear weapons.

The president's sudden focus on Kim and his suspension of joint US-South Korean military drills have raised concerns among Asian allies, with some speculating that Trump is seeking a foreign policy victory as his Iran war stalls.

Despite his Iran war, Trump maintains that Kim has 57 nuclear weapons, expressing regret over not preventing their development earlier. He emphasized his personal rapport with Kim, claiming they get along very well. Trump offered no further details, but the Wall Street Journal reported that he may visit Shanghai, China, for an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in November, where the meeting with Kim is expected to take place.

During his previous presidency from 2017 to 2021, Trump held three summits with Kim, none of which yielded significant progress on nuclear issues. Recently, Trump has pushed the issue back onto the agenda by announcing the reduction of hostile military drills with South Korea, citing his relationship with Kim. He also hinted at potential communications with Kim, though he did not confirm if they were exchanging letters.

Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of Kim Jong Un, said she has no knowledge of the reported communication between her brother and Trump. Despite the reduced drills, North Korea continues to view them as rehearsals for an invasion and has expressed outrage at the exercises.