Washington: A former senior U.S. official has indicated that the chances of a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un occurring during Trump's anticipated visit to China are "somewhat low." This assessment is attributed to the ongoing conflict with Iran and the priority of a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the official, who spoke anonymously during a virtual forum, expressed doubts about Pyongyang's current motivation to engage in diplomacy with Washington. This skepticism is based on North Korea's increasing reliance on Russia and China for support, contrasting with their previous openness during Trump's first term. Despite speculation that Trump might attempt to revive his diplomatic engagement with Kim, the official believes the focus on Iran and preparations for the U.S.-China summit limit the U.S.'s capacity to pursue such talks.

The official noted a marked shift from Trump's first term, a period characterized by direct diplomatic engagements with North Korea, including three in-person meetings with Kim. He emphasized that North Korea currently appears disinterested in dialogue with the U.S., having possibly learned caution from previous interactions.

Furthermore, expanding ties between North Korea and Russia add another layer of complexity. The official pointed out that North Korea may feel adequately supported by Russia and China, reducing its motivation to engage diplomatically with the U.S. When questioned about China's potential role in facilitating a Trump-Kim meeting, the official acknowledged that Beijing's primary concern is stability on the Korean Peninsula. If diplomacy could advance this interest, China might consider supporting it.

Recent comments by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at a ruling party congress hinted at a conditional openness to improved relations with the U.S., provided Washington retracts what Pyongyang perceives as a hostile policy. These remarks have sparked some optimism about the potential resumption of diplomacy between the two nations.