3 hurdles stand in way of Trump-Kim summit

Three major obstacles stand in the way of a potential summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Seven years have passed since their last meeting, and Kim now has less incentive to return to the negotiating table under Washington's demands. For a summit to occur, Kim must first respond positively.

Subsequently, both nations must navigate their fundamental disagreements regarding North Korea's nuclear capabilities while Trump tries to maintain the issue as a priority amidst various foreign policy challenges, including the upcoming U.S. midterm elections. Trump is actively advocating for the revival of summit diplomacy this year, relying on the personal rapport with Kim that resulted in significant face-to-face meetings during his first term.

He recently reduced the scale of the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise between South Korea and the United States, a move that prompted allies to end the drills prematurely, seen as a conciliatory gesture toward Pyongyang. Kim shows no urgency in the matter. The primary question is whether Kim perceives enough reason to meet Trump. North Korea has not provided a direct response.