U.S. President Donald Trump downplayed North Korea's missile test-launch just before his visit to Korea and again expressed his willingness to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
On the 29th (local time), aboard Air Force One en route from Japan to Korea, President Trump told reporters, "I don't know. He (Kim Jong Un) has been firing missiles for decades, and he just fired again this time," showing a calm reaction.
He said, "I have always maintained a good relationship with Chairperson Kim. I will meet him someday," adding with a laugh, "As you know, he has a very busy schedule."
To the question, "Is there a possibility of meeting Chairperson Kim during this trip?" he answered, "I don't know. I think North Korea wants it, and I want it, too. But for now, I want to focus on China." He added, "Our focus is the U.S.-China summit tomorrow, and I hope that will be the centerpiece of this trip."
President Trump said, "However, we will be back, and we will meet with North Korea in the not-too-distant future," leaving the door open to the resumption of U.S.-North Korea talks.
The remarks came as North Korea showed little response despite President Trump repeatedly expressing his intention to meet with Chairperson Kim Jong Un. North Korea was reported to have test-fired strategic cruise missiles over the West Sea on the 28th, a day before Trump's visit to Korea.
Experts say Trump's comments both acknowledge that a meeting with Chairperson Kim during this Asia trip is realistically difficult and serve as a message with an eye toward restoring U.S.-North Korea relations in the future.