Unification Minister Says Trump's China Visit in April Key to Inter-Korean Dialogue

Unification Minister Chung Dong-young on Wednesday identified April next year as a "critical period," when U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to visit China.

Chung said that if Trump succeeds in arranging a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during his China visit, it could lead to inter-Korean dialogue and exchanges.

"If we miss April, it will not be easy to create another opportunity after that, at least for now," Chung said during a lecture at a joint meeting of the National Unification Advisory Council's operations and standing committees held at the Kim Koo Museum and Library in Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

The minister described the roles of South Korea and China as "mediator" and "facilitator," respectively. He expressed high expectations for the Korea-China summit expected in early next year, calling it "a historic opportunity, a once-in-a-lifetime chance."

"We must mobilize all efforts—our role, China's role, and the roles of neighboring countries including Japan and Russia," Chung emphasized.

Regarding North Korea's 9th Party Congress expected early next year, Chung said the government is "watching closely."

"It is also true that preemptive, bold measures are required of us to prevent North Korea from enshrining the 'hostile two-state theory' in its constitution or party charter," he added.

Chung criticized the United Nations Command for exercising control over access to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) even for non-military purposes, saying it "does not align with public sentiment." His remarks lent support to the ruling party's push for "DMZ legislation" that would grant the South Korean government authority over DMZ access for non-military and peaceful purposes.

The minister said that a 5.8-kilometer section of the Peace Trail—which follows ecological, historical, and cultural resources within the DMZ and the Civilian Control Line—has been closed since April last year. "We will negotiate with the UNC to reopen it," he said.

A Unification Ministry official said regarding the DMZ legislation that the government is "consulting with relevant agencies as needed," adding that "the issue of forming a consultative body has not yet been discussed."