South Korea Eyes Security Deal with US Before APEC Summit

South Korea announced on Thursday that it may finalize a security agreement with the United States ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit later this month, with discussions focused on higher defense cost sharing and easing restrictions on nuclear fuel processing.

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said President Lee Jae Myung’s government has been negotiating a package deal with the Trump administration, linking tariff talks with security matters, including Washington’s push for Seoul to increase its defense spending.

“A broad agreement has already been reached on the security front,” Cho told reporters, noting that Seoul hopes to secure and announce agreements before the APEC summit in Gyeongju, scheduled for Oct. 31–Nov. 1. He added that even if a comprehensive package is not finalized, agreements may be announced individually following consultations with Washington.

President Lee previously met with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington in late August, but no written deal has been signed. Another summit between the two leaders is expected on the sidelines of the upcoming APEC gathering.

Cho suggested the potential deal could include both an increase in South Korea’s defense cost sharing and the easing of restrictions on reprocessing spent nuclear fuel and uranium enrichment. While declining to disclose figures, he noted that the level of increase would depend on the scope of the agreement. The Trump administration has repeatedly urged allies to raise defense spending to 3.5% of GDP.

He also confirmed that Seoul and Washington have reached a preliminary understanding on nuclear reprocessing, though “uneasy” negotiations continue.

Looking ahead, Cho did not rule out the possibility of Trump meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his APEC trip. “If that happens, we will provide full support. I hope it could help ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula and pave the way for peace,” he said.