Trump "Tomorrow's focus is China... will soon meet North Korea"

Donald Trump, the President of the United States, downplayed the significance of North Korea's missile test launch that took place just before his visit to South Korea and reiterated his desire to meet Kim Jong Un.

On the 29th (local time), while on board his plane traveling from Japan to South Korea, President Trump was asked about North Korea's recent missile test launch and replied, "I don't know. He (Kim Jong Un) has been launching missiles for decades and launched another missile."

He added, "I have always had a good relationship with him. I will meet him at some point. As you know, he has a very busy schedule."

When asked whether he would meet Chairman Kim during this tour, he said, "I don't know. I think they (North Korea) want to and I want to. But I also want to focus on China. Now our focus is China tomorrow (U.S.-China summit) and I hope that will be the focus."

He went on, "But we will return, and at some point, in the not too distant future, we will meet with North Korea."

Trump's remarks could be interpreted as expressing the view that, despite his stated hope for a meeting, it would be practically difficult to meet Chairman Kim during this Asian tour, which runs through the 30th, given the lack of response from North Korea.

North Korea conducted a test launch of a strategic cruise missile the day before, ahead of President Trump's visit to South Korea.

Shin Min-kyung, Hankyung.com reporter radio@hankyung.com