Singapore was chosen to host Tuesday's summit between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un primarily because it is one of few nations with diplomatic relations with both parties, the White House told CNBC.
But the city-state is also considered a convenient choice because its extensive surveillance apparatus makes for easier security preparations for the off-again, on-again talks. Singapore is known for its strict laws and harsh punishments governing personal behavior, including protests that otherwise would coalesce near the negotiations.
The venue for the talks is the Capella Hotel, a resort on Sentosa Island which has hosted high-level diplomatic meetings in the past. Locations that didn't make the cut include Switzerland, Mongolia, and the demilitarized zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea.