Blinken Embarks on Final Diplomatic Trip to South Korea, Japan, and France as Top US Diplomat
A day after the State Department sanctioned a potential foreign military sale to Japan, the announcement was made.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to visit South Korea, Japan, and France on what is expected to be his final diplomatic mission before the incoming Trump administration assumes office later this month.
In South Korea, Blinken plans to meet with high-ranking government officials to reaffirm the strong U.S.–South Korea alliance and engage in discussions regarding “critical cooperation” in tackling global challenges.
The department emphasized that Blinken’s focus will be on how both nations can “strengthen key efforts to promote a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” as well as enhancing trilateral collaboration with Japan.
This visit coincides with political instability in South Korea, resulting from President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment for a brief martial law declaration last month. Acting President Choi Sang-mok has taken over the duties, following the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.
Furthermore, the department indicated that Blinken will engage in discussions with senior officials in Japan during his trip to Tokyo to assess “the substantial progress made in the U.S.–Japan alliance over the past few years.”
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During the discussions, Blinken will highlight the significance of their alliance in addressing both regional and global challenges, in addition to exploring ways to maintain the momentum of trilateral collaboration with South Korea.
Ultimately, Blinken will visit France to engage with senior French officials regarding challenges in Europe, particularly those related to Ukraine, as well as growing tensions in the Middle East, according to the department.
The Biden administration is focused on strengthening partnerships with Japan and South Korea in light of increasing concerns regarding China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific and North Korea’s missile threats.
The intensifying military relations between North Korea and Russia have also raised concerns, as North Korea is reported to have dispatched thousands of troops to support Russian forces in Ukraine.
Specifics of the new guidelines have yet to be made public. Both the United States and Japan have stated that the document emphasizes improving strategic communication to ensure that adversaries clearly recognize the alliance’s determination and capabilities. The initiatives also involve enhancing U.S. extended deterrence alongside Japan’s defense initiatives, such as upgraded missile defense systems and preparation to respond to emergencies.
Tom Ozimek contributed to this report.
