Key diplomatic events this week: S. Korea-u.s. summit talks, Trump's global strategy, and Xi's absence from BRICS

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon.

Major diplomatic developments are shaping this week's international landscape.

Korea's National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac and Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo are meeting in Washington, preparing the crucial groundwork for the anticipated Korea-U.S. summit amid delicate tariff discussions.

President Lee Jae Myung is set to dispatch envoys to an unprecedented number of countries, including the U.S., China, Japan, Australia, and India, signaling an expanded diplomatic strategy.

Globally, President Trump continues navigating the Ukraine conflict, offering Patriot missile support to Zelenskyy while warning Putin of new sanctions.

Trump's broader Middle East initiative also progresses, marked by his historic lifting of sanctions on Syria and ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.

Meanwhile, China's Xi Jinping is absent from the BRICS summit in Brazil, fueling speculation about internal instability and his health.

Today, we unpack these crucial diplomatic shifts and explore their wider implications for global stability.

For more on this, we are joined by Min Jeong-hun, a Professor at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy. Welcome.

Also joining us online is Daniel Connolly, Associate Professor of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. Good to see you.

(Min Jeong-hun) With the Trump administration's tariff waiver nearing expiration, National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac has arrived in Washington for high-level talks.

Wi stressed the need for senior engagement and is expected to meet top officials there.

Since it's the first minister-level visit under the Lee Jae Myung administration, do you expect some progress in tariff talks or summit coordination?

(Daniel Connolly) Speaking of the Korea-U.S. summit, there are two views: hold the summit as soon as possible, or wait until sensitive issues are resolved. Prof. Connolly, which approach would be more advantageous for Korea?

(Min Jeong-hun) President Lee Jae Myung is reportedly preparing to send special envoys to more countries than any previous administration—including the U.S., China, Japan, Australia, and India. How does this approach compare with past governments, and what's the main goal behind this wide-reaching diplomatic push?

(Daniel Connolly) Now, turning to global affairs. President Trump continues navigating the Ukraine conflict, offering Patriot missile support to Zelenskyy while warning Putin of new sanctions. After Trump's recent call with Putin yielded no progress, Russia launched a major summer offensive. Prof. Connolly What's Putin's current strategy in Ukraine?

(Min Jeong-hun) While President Trump hinted at additional sanctions against Russia, he also suggested resuming support for Patriot missile systems during a conversation with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Could this lead to any significant changes in U.S.-Russia relations or the war in Ukraine?

(Daniel Connolly) Trump's broader Middle East initiative also progresses, marked by his historic lifting of sanctions on Syria and ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.

There's speculation about a possible meeting between Trump and Netanyahu today. Given the ongoing Gaza ceasefire talks, could today's discussions lead to meaningful progress Prof. Connolly?

(Min Jeong-hun) Late last month, President Trump officially lifted sanctions on Syria for the first time in 21 years. What does Trump's recent lifting of sanctions on Syria suggest about his vision for a new Middle East order?

(Daniel Connolly) Meanwhile, The BRICS Summit, led by China and Russia, took place in Brazil from July 6th to 7th, but both Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin were notably absent. Given their absence, can the anti-Western alliance remain effective Prof. Connolly?

(Min Jeong-hun) Xi Jinping's absence has sparked health and political instability rumors. Why does such speculation around Chinese leadership continue to surface?