US President Donald Trump has raised the possibility of meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his planned trip to Asia in November, reviving attention on a potential encounter between the two leaders. Trump offered no firm commitment, but his remarks suggest that a meeting remains under consideration as he prepares to attend a major regional economic gathering in China.
Asked by reporters at the White House on Monday whether he planned to meet Kim during the trip, Trump replied, “I may.”
He then added, “That’ll be exciting, won’t it? But I get along with him.”
The brief exchange stopped short of confirming any diplomatic talks or announcing arrangements for a meeting. It nevertheless renewed interest in whether Trump and Kim could meet again as the US president prepares for his Asia visit.
Trump Leaves Door Open to Meeting Kim Jong Un
Trump’s comments indicate that he is open to another meeting with Kim, although he did not provide a date, location or details of what the two leaders might discuss.
The US president’s positive description of his relationship with Kim was notable given the longstanding tensions between Washington and Pyongyang over North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme and broader security concerns.
Their previous meetings attracted international attention because they brought the leaders of the two countries into direct contact after years of hostility. Any new encounter would draw scrutiny over whether it could lead to renewed diplomatic engagement.
For now, however, Trump’s statement remains an expression of possibility rather than a confirmed diplomatic plan. Neither a meeting agenda nor an announcement of formal preparations was included in the supplied report.
Trump’s wording also leaves open whether any encounter would take place during the main events of his Asia trip or through a separate arrangement.
China Visit Puts Asia Trip in Focus
Trump has expressed his intention to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, or APEC, Economic Leaders’ Meeting in China next month. The gathering provides the immediate context for speculation about a possible meeting with Kim.
APEC brings together economies from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss economic cooperation and regional priorities. Trump’s expected participation would place him in the region at a time when his administration’s relations with North Korea remain an important international issue.
However, the report did not confirm that Kim would attend the APEC meeting or travel to China. It also did not establish that any potential meeting between the two leaders would take place at the event.
The distinction matters: Trump has indicated that a meeting could happen, but no confirmed schedule or venue has been announced in the supplied information.
A meeting would require arrangements beyond Trump’s brief public remarks. Until further details emerge, the possibility remains linked to the president’s broader travel plans rather than a formal announcement.
Trump Previously Expected Talks Later This Year
Trump had already indicated in August that he expected to meet Kim sometime this year. His latest comments are consistent with that earlier statement, keeping the possibility of renewed contact on the agenda.
The two leaders have previously pursued direct engagement despite deep differences between their governments. Those encounters raised hopes of progress on security and denuclearisation, although a new meeting would not, by itself, guarantee an agreement or a change in policy.
Trump’s latest remarks did not specify whether a potential meeting would focus on nuclear weapons, security arrangements, sanctions or other issues between Washington and Pyongyang.
They also did not provide new information about any negotiations taking place behind the scenes. It would therefore be premature to treat the comments as evidence that a diplomatic breakthrough is imminent.
The immediate development is narrower: Trump has publicly left open the possibility of meeting Kim during his November Asia trip and has again described their personal relationship positively.
What a Possible Trump and Kim Meeting Could Mean
A meeting between Trump and Kim would attract international attention because of the security issues that continue to shape relations between the United States and North Korea.
Washington and Pyongyang have longstanding disagreements over North Korea’s nuclear weapons and the wider security situation on the Korean Peninsula. Direct contact between their leaders could create an opportunity to discuss those differences, but the outcome would depend on the issues raised and any concrete commitments made.
A confirmed meeting would also prompt questions about the timing and format of the encounter. The leaders could hold formal talks, meet briefly on the sidelines of another event or decide not to meet at all. Trump’s comments did not establish which, if any, of these options is being considered.
For now, the president’s planned trip to China is the clearest point of reference. His attendance at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting remains his stated intention, while a meeting with Kim is still uncertain.
The next significant development would be an official confirmation of the meeting, including its date, venue and agenda. Until then, Trump’s remarks should be understood as an indication of willingness, not a guarantee that talks will take place.
Would a new Trump and Kim meeting help restart diplomacy between Washington and Pyongyang, or would it remain a symbolic encounter without concrete agreements?