Trump in South Korea: "North Korea Just Fired Another Missile, Want to Meet Kim Jong Un...Very Good Relationship with China" (Comprehensive) [Gyeongju APEC]

"Focus on Summit with President Xi Jinping"
"Fentanyl Tariff Could Be Lowered"
Cooperation Hinted at U.S.-China Summit

The Air Force One carrying U.S. President Donald Trump, who is visiting South Korea on a state visit for the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, is arriving at Busan Gimhae International Airport on the 29th. Photo by Yonhap News

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he "does not attach much significance" to North Korea's recent missile test launch conducted ahead of his visit to South Korea, while once again expressing his willingness to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. On the eve of his first meeting in six years with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump also remarked that relations with China are "very good."

"Always Maintained Good Relations with Kim Jong Un"

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route from Japan to South Korea on the 29th, President Trump was asked about North Korea's missile test launch. He responded, "I don't know. He has been launching missiles for decades, and this was just another one." North Korea conducted a strategic cruise missile test launch over the West Sea on the 28th, one day before President Trump's arrival in South Korea.

President Trump added, "I have always maintained good relations with him (Kim Jong Un)," and continued, "At some point, I will meet him. As you know, he is a very busy person."

When asked whether a meeting with Chairman Kim was included in his itinerary for this trip, Trump replied, "I don't know. I think North Korea wants it and I want it as well. But for now, I want to focus on China. Tomorrow's meeting with China (President Xi Jinping) will be the main focus."

Nevertheless, he reiterated his willingness to engage in dialogue with Chairman Kim, stating, "We will be back soon, and in the not-too-distant future, we will meet with North Korea."

These remarks by President Trump suggest an awareness that, despite his public expression of willingness to meet, North Korea has shown little response, making a direct meeting with Chairman Kim during this Asian tour realistically difficult.

"Good Relations with China...Many Issues Will Be Resolved"

President Trump, ahead of the highly anticipated U.S.-China summit with President Xi Jinping on the 30th, emphasized, "I have maintained very good relations with China," expressing confidence that "many issues will be resolved."

Previously, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant announced that, during a meeting with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, both countries agreed on a basic framework for a trade agreement. This framework is expected to be formally signed at the upcoming summit between the two leaders.

President Trump also stated, "I believe China will cooperate in resolving the fentanyl issue," hinting at the possibility of reducing the 'fentanyl tariff' currently imposed on Chinese-made fentanyl.

When asked if he was willing to lower the fentanyl tariff or whether he expected it to happen, Trump replied, "I expect it will happen because I believe they (China) will cooperate," adding, "They will do what they can."

Earlier, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that the United States is expected to reduce the fentanyl tariff by 10 percentage points at the upcoming U.S.-China summit. Since his second inauguration, President Trump has imposed a 20% tariff on China, pointing out that the raw materials for the synthetic drug fentanyl are being imported from China.

President Trump stressed that the meeting with President Xi is "a very important occasion," emphasizing that the fentanyl issue will be one of the core agenda items. He added, "We will discuss various issues, including the export of American soybeans and farmers' issues, but fentanyl will be one of the main topics."

Regarding the possibility of running for a third term, Trump said, "I am doing very well as president," but acknowledged, "I know that a third term is not possible under the Constitution." He continued, "If you read the Constitution, it is quite clear. I am not allowed to run again, which is unfortunate," but also left room for speculation by saying, "Let's see what happens."

Meanwhile, President Trump arrived at Busan Gimhae International Airport at around 11:34 a.m., later than the expected time. Visiting South Korea as a state guest, President Trump will travel to Gyeongju to attend the '2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.'