Wendy Cutler, vice president of the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) who is well-versed in U.S.-Korea relations, assessed the U.S.-Korea summit by saying, "Both leaders agreed on the importance of dialogue with North Korea," while noting, "There are still elements of tension in trade and security sectors."
On the 25th (local time), following the U.S.-Korea summit, Cutler noted in a press release, "The meeting went well as expected," adding, "Lee Jae-myung seems to have prepared well for the summit."
Cutler is a Korean Peninsula expert who served as the chief representative for the United States during the 2006 U.S.-Korea free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations. Having previously served as deputy U.S. Trade Representative, she is also known to have deep expertise in trade.
She analyzed, "While North Korea seems uninterested in resuming dialogue, the two leaders agreed on the importance of dialogue with North Korea," and noted, "President Trump welcomed Korea's cooperation for the revival of the U.S. shipbuilding industry."
However, she viewed that the tension in the bilateral relationship still remains, particularly in regard to the differing interpretations of Korea's $35 million investment plan announced earlier.
Cutler stated, "Korea is disappointed not to have received favorable treatment regarding tariffs on automobiles and steel, while the U.S. is demanding Korea reduce digital trade barriers and expand access to agricultural markets."
She also mentioned security issues. Cutler indicated, "The Trump administration pressured Korea to increase its defense cost burden and mentioned today that the U.S. should own the U.S. military bases in Korea, which is difficult for the president to accept."
She also focused on whether President Trump would attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to be held in Korea at the end of October. Cutler noted, "Trump has often avoided multilateral meetings," adding, "We will have to wait and see if he will attend."
Emma Chanlett-Avery, Director General responsible for political and security affairs at the Asia Society, expressed concern about the possibility of unilateral agreements between the U.S. and North Korea.
Director General Chanlett-Avery remarked, "The Lee Jae-myung administration prefers a conciliatory relationship with North Korea, but Trump actually favors bilateral diplomacy," and stated, "There is a possibility of reaching an agreement with Kim Jong-un excluding Korea."