South Korea Rallies Asia to Restart Talks With North Korea
President Lee Jae Myung will seek ASEAN and APEC backing to revive North Korea dialogue, even as Seoul sees little chance of a Trump-Kim meeting.
Choose Clash Report as a preferred source and see our reporting first in Top Stories.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will seek regional support for renewed dialogue with North Korea during upcoming ASEAN and APEC summits in the Philippines and China, as Seoul acknowledges limited prospects for an immediate diplomatic breakthrough.
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac announced on November 12 that Lee would travel to Manila and Shenzhen from November 16 to 19, using the meetings to promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
Lee is scheduled to attend the South Korea-ASEAN and Mekong-Korea summits on November 16, followed by the ASEAN Plus Three and East Asia summits on November 17.
He will then travel to Shenzhen for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, where he is expected to seek international backing for efforts to resume inter-Korean and US-North Korea dialogue.
The presidential office said Seoul would urge regional governments to make constructive contributions toward peaceful coexistence on the peninsula.
However, South Korean officials cautioned that a meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during the APEC gathering remains unlikely.
Pyongyang is also not expected to participate in APEC-related events.
The diplomatic push comes amid renewed tensions along the inter-Korean border, including disputes over propaganda broadcasts and a September landmine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone.
Seoul has accused North Korea of responsibility for the blast, which wounded South Korean soldiers. Pyongyang denies the allegation.
On November 13, Lee's office also confirmed plans for separate meetings with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in Manila.
Beyond North Korea, the trip will address regional energy security, critical minerals, supply chains and economic cooperation.
No direct negotiations with Pyongyang have been announced, and Seoul's initiative remains an effort to build diplomatic support rather than a confirmed resumption of talks.
Choose Clash Report as a preferred source and see our reporting first in Top Stories.
