WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to embark on what is anticipated to be his final overseas trip in office this weekend, traveling to South Korea, Japan, and France.
The State Department announced on Friday that Blinken will visit Seoul, South Korea, Tokyo, and Paris beginning Sunday.
In South Korea, currently facing political turmoil following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, and in Japan, Blinken plans to emphasize the expansion of U.S. cooperation with both nations as part of the Biden administration’s Indo-Pacific strategy. This strategy primarily aims to counter Chinese ambitions in the region while also addressing the nuclear threat posed by North Korea. However, the recent political developments in South Korea, including Yoon’s declaration of martial law and subsequent impeachment, have raised concerns regarding the stability of Washington-Seoul relations.
The U.S. has adopted a cautious stance amidst this uncertainty, maintaining that the U.S.-South Korea alliance remains strong and resilient. Blinken will engage with South Korean officials on how to enhance our critical cooperation on global challenges rooted in our shared values, according to a statement from the State Department.
In Tokyo, Blinken will “review the tremendous progress the U.S.-Japan alliance has achieved over the past few years,” as stated. This includes a significant arms sales approval announced on Friday, under which the U.S. will supply approximately $3.64 billion in medium-range missiles, along with related equipment and training to Japan.
China has expressed ongoing concerns regarding the potential sale, claiming it will disrupt regional stability and security, accusations that both Japan and the U.S. firmly reject.
To conclude his trip, Blinken will meet with French officials in Paris to discuss developments in the Middle East and European security, particularly regarding the situation in Ukraine.
