Will President Lee Meet U.S., Chinese, and Japanese Leaders at ASEAN Summit? National Security Chief Says "Possible Encounter"

National Security Director Wui Seongrak Briefs on the ASEAN Summit

Suh Weseong, Director of the National Security Office, is briefing the Korean press corps on the ASEAN Summit at a press center set up in a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on the 26th. Photo by Yonhap News

The Presidential Office announced that President Lee Jaemyung may have the opportunity to encounter top leaders from the United States, China, and Japan during the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summit, which will be held on the 27th. However, the office stated that the possibility of contact between the South Korean government and North Korea is slim.

On the afternoon of the 26th local time, Suh Weseong, Director of the National Security Office, held a briefing at the press center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where the ASEAN Summit is taking place, and announced that such encounters between President Lee and the leaders of major countries could occur.

When asked whether President Lee might meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the summit venue, Suh replied, "I am not sure how President Trump's schedule will overlap," but added, "I think such an encounter is possible." He also stated that President Lee could meet and is preparing to meet with Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who will also be attending the summit.

However, the possibility of contact with North Korea is considered unlikely. Suh explained, "The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) is a venue where North Korea is active," but added, "As far as I know, North Korea has not come." He further commented, "We hope there will be an opportunity to communicate with North Korea at the next occasion."

Suh Weseong: "APEC North Korea-U.S. Summit? We are preparing for any scenario"

Suh Weseong, Director of the National Security Office, is moving to the podium for a briefing on the ASEAN Summit at the Korean press center set up in a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on the 26th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Regarding the question of whether President Trump and North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un might meet at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, Suh said, "It is true that the possibility is not very positive," but added, "We are prepared for any scenario."

Meanwhile, at the ASEAN Summit, President Lee plans to announce the intention to host a Korea-ASEAN Special Summit in 2029, marking the 40th anniversary of the establishment of relations. He will also present a vision for how to advance the "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP)," which is the highest level of relationship ASEAN establishes with external countries, with Korea. The vision is structured around the acronym CSP: 'Contributor' (a helper in achieving dreams and hopes), 'Springboard' (a leap for growth and innovation), and 'Partner' (a companion for peace and stability).

At the subsequent ASEAN+3 Summit, President Lee will propose cooperation measures in the fields of finance and food security. Suh emphasized, "In particular, we will actively utilize the ASEAN+3 Summit as a platform where we engage with China and Japan as equal partners in diplomacy with ASEAN." When asked whether, as in previous administrations, a statement might be issued at the Korea-ASEAN Summit, he replied, "We do not rule it out."