The Korean Peninsula is once again the most closely watched flashpoint in the world as the leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meet in the ancient city of Gyeongju, South Korea, from October 31 to November 1. Trade, supply networks, and technology appear to be on the agenda. But just underneath it is a complex network of signalling, counter-signaling, and low-key risk-reduction, much of which is intended to allow for high-level optics and, maybe, little steps back from the edge.

After a pause of several months, North Korea resumed short-range missile testing. South Korea, meanwhile, is subtly changing its border arrangements. The situation is delicate because China’s leader Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump are both scheduled to visit Gyeongju soon. China’s pers

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